World champs Australia experienced their second defeat of the tournament in the hands of Pakistan that became the first team to spot a semifinal berth. Setting an example himself, skipper Malik along with Misbah ul-Haq shared a record fifth wicket partnership stand of 119 leading Pakistan all the way.
Earlier, Hussey and Hodge shared a fifth-wicket stand of 63 to manage Australia a reasonable 164 for seven. Pakistan bowling attack spearheaded by Sohail Tanveer toppled Aussies top order which was backed by spinners Afridi and Hafeez in removing the destructive Symonds and Captain, Ponting.
Aussies however looking on course for victory as seamer Clark claimed three quick wickets to help reduce Pakistan to 46 for four, but the record partnership stand put an end to the roads for Australia. Misbah hitting the big shots made 66 while Malik ended with 52 to a six wicket win with five balls to spare.
Losing the second Super8 match brings England, the pioneers of Twenty20 on the brink of exiting the tournament. To reach the last four, England is in a much win situation against India today, to rely on South Africa losing to New Zealand and India.
The Black Caps were reduced to 31-4 after winning the toss but rallied with 57 from the man of the match, Craig McMillan and 42 from Scott Styris to bundle 164-9. The Englishmen on course began well, but the big three wickets of Pietersen, Collingwood and Flintoff in 10 balls totally changed things around. Powerless of getting much needed boundaries and loosing wickets at crucial junctures left the chasers just five runs short of the target.
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Via: Bloomberg
