(Image source from: Australia sent Pakistan back home})

Australia completed a spectacular six-wicket victory over Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval to book a blockbuster World Cup semi-final against reigning champions India. Pakistan's batsmen were bowled out for 213, their bowlers had little to defend and were let down by two dropped catches that gave life to batsmen Shane Watson and Glenn Maxwell.

Electing to bat after winning the toss, Pakistan were stifled for runs by the Aussie bowlers and folded without putting up much of a fight in 49.5 overs. Josh Hazlewood (4/35) and Mitchell Starc (2/40) kept it tight to begin with before Mitchell Johnson (1/42) intimidated the Pakistanis with his ferocious pace.

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq and Shahid Afridi decided to retire from one-day internationals in disappointment. Pakistan looked in deep trouble when Shahid Afridi raised hopes with some early power-hitting. Afridi was dismissed while trying to smack Hazlewood out of the park. Misbah-ul-Haq could not build on the start and was dismissed by Glenn Maxwell while attempting a slog-sweep that was caught by Aaron Finch. With the top half letting the team down, the lower order was never expected to hold up for too long and this is exactly what happened.

The score card is given below

Pakistan Innings:

Australia Innings:

By Premji