The opening pair of Abdullah Shafique and Imam ul-Haq have bagged a record while chasing Australia's 368 during the ICC World Cup 2023 match on Friday in Bengaluru.
These two talented batters have become the first Pakistani opening pair to register a century partnership against Australia in a World Cup match.
The milestone moment unfolded as Shafique and Haq showcased their formidable batting skills, posting a remarkable 134-run stand for the first wicket. Their partnership was characterised by precision strokes and commendable resilience against the Australian bowlers.
The partnership was finally disrupted when Marcus Stoinis, the Australian all-rounder, dismissed Abdullah Shafique, who had played a significant innings and contributed 64 valuable runs to Pakistan's total.
As of the latest update, Pakistan stands at a solid 151-1 after 23 overs, and the team's hopes now rest on the capable shoulders of Imam-ul-Haq, who is unbeaten at 69. He is joined by the ever-reliable Babar Azam, who is at 10*.
Despite Pakistan taking four wickets for just 27 runs in the last five overs, Australia ended up with a total of 367/9, which is the highest any team has scored against Pakistan in a World Cup match. While Marsh was dismissed by Afridi on 121 off 108 balls, Warner went on to score 163 off just 124 balls.
It was only the fourth instance in World Cup history that both openers notched centuries in the same match. Afridi's five-wicket haul was just a sad reminder of what other Pakistan bowlers could have done with a bit more thought on a vastly underwhelming day.
Warner, who was dropped twice on 10 and 105, and Marsh were at their marauding best against a Pakistan attack that lacked direction on a smooth M Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch, with a quick outfield adding value to the shots too. They were either too full, too short, or strayed onto the legs, and the Aussie batters did not need any second invitation to exploit the freebies.
All this could have been a bit different for Pakistan had Usama Mir, who replaced Shadab Khan, held onto a simple catch from Warner off Afridi, the best among Pakistan bowlers on this day with his clever variations, inside the ring.
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.