Picture Credit: Disney+ Hotstar
A lot of drama unfolded at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday night as Australia and Pakistan faced each other in the second semi-final of T20 World Cup 2021. Both the teams came out at the middle with pure intent of winning the game. While Pakistan shared a fair bit of dominance during the course of the game, Australia, time and again, bounced back in the match to make sure they stay in the contest.
Among others, David Warner also hogged the limelight for his outstanding performance in the semi-final night. Warner scored 49 runs off just 30 balls that included 3 fours and as many sixes. His magical knock would have taken Australia home way early, but an unfortunate incident saw Warner's losing his wicket and leaving Australia tottering at the middle.
In the 11th over of Australia's innings, Warner walked off the field despite being not out. It was the first ball of Shadab Khan's over when Warner failed to read the googly and the ball beat the outside edge of his willow. While Warner thought he missed the ball, Shadab and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan appealed to the umpire for caught behind. The umpire raised his finger in favour of Pakistan and Warner too walked away without reviewing it. Later, replays confirmed that there was no edge.
Here is the video:
Australia beat Pakistan by 5 wickets
Despite losing Warner's wicket at a crucial juncture in the game, Australia got home with 6 balls to spare, courtesy superb attack from Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis in the death overs. While Wade stayed unbeaten during his 41 off 17, Stoinis too carried his bat with with a 40 off 31. Wade was deservedly awarded the Man of the Match honour. His innings that included 2 fours and 4 sixes snatched a win for Australia from the jaws of victory. Meanwhile, for Pakistan, Shadab Khan was the star performer with the figures of 4/26. Shaheen Afridi got the other Australian wicket that fell in the night but conceded 35 runs in his quota of 4 overs.