Pakistan vs Australia LIVE: T20 World Cup 2021 semi-final result and reaction

Australia will take on New Zealand in the final of the T20 World Cup after beating Pakistan in the semi-final in Dubai.

Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman smashed breezy half-centuries to help Pakistan post 176-4 at the Dubai International Stadium.

Put in to bat, Pakistan got off to a strong start with Rizwan (67) and skipper Babar Azam (39) forging a 71-run partnership for the opening wicket. Fakhar provided the late charge for the 2009 champions with an unbeaten 55 off 32 balls.

Set 177 for victory, David Warner made 49 before Australia rode unbeaten cameos from Marcus Stoinis (40*) and Matthew Wade (41*) to clinch the win with one over to spare.

They will now play rivals New Zealand in Sunday’s final after they beat England on Wednesday.

Pakistan vs Australia latest updates

• Australia beat Pakistan in T20 World Cup semi-final

• Will take on New Zealand in final on Sunday

• Mohammad Rizwan (67) and Fakhar Zaman (55*) fired Pakistan to total of 176

• Matthew Wade (41*) hits three consecutive sixes to win the match

Australia vs New Zealand in the final!

Thursday 11 November 2021 18:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Plenty of twists and turns across two enthralling semi-finals, but it will be two familiar foes who will do battle for the chance to lift the T20 World Cup for the very first time. Australia vs New Zealand - few would have called that at the start of the tournament!

It is time to say farewell to Pakistan, who have so enlivened and enriched this tournament, but fall short in their first knockout game. Babar Azam’s side will reflect on an opportunity missed.

For now, it is also farewell from us. We’ll have plenty of reaction and fallout from the two semi-finals over the next couple of days, and LIVE coverage of Sunday’s final in Dubai for an antipodean clash to decide The Big Dance™, as they will surely be calling it.

Until then, do stay safe and well, and thank you for joining The Independent...

Actually, before we go, we’ve got some BREAKING NEWS: Devon Conway is out of the final after breaking his hand! New Zealand lose their wicketkeeper and a key left-handed middle order foil. How does that change things?

Aaron Finch speaks to the host broadcaster

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“It was a great game of cricket,” says Finch of his side’s win. “The way Matthew Wade held his nerve was outstanding, that partnership with Marcus Stoinis was crucial.

I just got my feet in a tangle first up. It happens, in T20 cricket you get some good ones every now and then. I thought we were pretty sloppy today, we dropped a couple, though they were tough ones. But what we showed today was that you need all your players, everyone in your 15 to contribute.

[On chasing teams winning so many games]: “It’s really strange. There’s no dew, but the lights take effect and the wicket speeds up a bit. I was hoping to lose the toss and put a total on the board and defend it, but it was good to chase that target down in the end.”

Hasan Ali’s drop

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia may well have gone on to knock off the runs that remained in the last over but how crucial does that drop from Hasan Ali now look? His fumbling of Wade was followed by three match-sealing sixes and having also suffered a tough night with the ball, it will be a performance that will take some personal reconciling for a player evidently struggling with illness or fatigue.

Australia’s new-look lower-order does the job

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That was quite something from Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis. They are out of position in this side, starts in the Big Bash opening the batting but forced to bat further down in this side, Australia accommodating their skills in the hope that they would come good in this tournament.

And, boy, how good was that? Australia’s makeshift finishers have done the job, taking their team home having looked close to dead and buried after the quick-fire losses of David Warner and Glenn Maxwell.

Matthew Wade is the Player of the Match for his brilliant blitz

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“Talking to Marcus down the other end, they went a little bit more pace on than I expected. I was glad to get a couple away at the end.

“We lost a few quick wickets but when I got out there with Marcus, he was really confident that we would get them. He reassured me that he would find the boundary enough to get us deep and then I could chip in at the end there. There was one short side so I was confident that I could drag them for six.

“It stalled for about five or six balls and the rate went from 10 to 12 to 14 really quickly. Luckily I had Stoin out there. It probably hasn’t sunk in. I’m just happy I could contribute. I was out of the team two or three years ago and I have managed to get another opportunity. I am happy to have repaid the faith a bit.”

Pakistan are out

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It is cruel on Shadab Khan, so brilliant with four for 26, and that ending rather spoils a tournament that looked set to be defined by Shaheen Shah Afridi’s new-ball mastery.

But for the second night in a row, a late display of power-hitting takes the chasing side home.

Australia through to the final!

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pakistan’s players drop to their knees - they are out! The T20 World Cup will have a new name on the trophy - Australia and New Zealand will reignite Trans-Trasman hostilities in the final in Dubai on Sunday!

Australia win by five wickets with six balls to spare!

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

MATTHEW WADE! That is pure insolence, repeating the scoop, getting an inviting full toss and making sweet, sweet connection with the middle of the bat as Shaheen tries to rip out his middle stump.

High over fine leg, and that’ll do it - Australia win by five wickets with six balls to spare, Wade finishes with 40 from 17 balls.

ANOTHER SCOOPED SIX AND AUSTRALIA HAVE WON!

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

SIX! Australia 171-5 (18.5)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Back. To. Back! This is just pure ball-striking, an over-pitched off-cutter from Shaheen Shah Afridi which is positively LAUNCHED in the vague direction of the adjacent Emirate!

96 metres! HUUUUUUUUGE! Australia need six off seven!

SIX! Australia 165-5 (18.4)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

UTTERLY AUDACIOUS! EXTRAORDINARY STUFF FROM MATTHEW WADE!

Full and fast and scooped for SIX OVER FINE LEG! A bold choice of shot, but perfectly executed, swift of foot, quick of thought, jumping across his crease and finding a way to get Shaheen Away.

12 needed off 8. Australia favourites...

DROPPED! Australia 159-5 (18.3)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

HASAN ALI DROPS IT! Matthew Wade drags it to leg off the toe end, Hasan makes outstanding ground to get beneath it...but drops it at waist height as he reaches out in front of him!

Consoling pats on the back from Shoaib Malik. Two to Wade.

WIDE! Australia 157-5 (18.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A wide! Shaheen seeks Matthew Wade’s heels but pushes it down leg. 20 off 10.

NOT OUT! Australia 156-5 (18.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

PITCHING...OUTSIDE LEG! Stoinis survives. A good decision under pressure from Chris Gaffaney. Pakistan suspected as much, a slightly speculative review with two left in the bag. One from the first two balls. 21 needed off 10.

REVIEW! Australia 156-5 (18.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An appeal, but where did it pitch? REVIEWED! Stoinis pinned on the pad as he goes back to a fullish ball and if that hasn’t just landed outside leg that may be curtains...

Australia 155-5 (18.1)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

DID IT CARRY? No, taken on the bounce! An inside edge from Marcus Stoinis as he tries to pull and just, just, short of Mohammad Rizwan moving well to his left. A dot.

FOUR! Australia 152-5 (18), M Stoinis 40, M Wade 21, Hasan Ali 0-44 (4)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A vital boundary to finish! Hasan Ali isn’t far off his yorker again but Matthew Wade is deep in his crease and wise to the intended strategy, able to manoeuvre it fine of backward square leg off his shoelaces and collect four more.

22 off the last two overs - how does Babar Azam manage these? Surely it will be Shaheen now to try and put the pressure on...

Bingo. This could decide things. Six balls from Shaheen.

SIX! Australia 149-5 (17.3)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wade weighs in! An off-cutter from Hasan Ali, designed to bite away from the left-hander’s hitting arc but instead sitting up right in the path of it, and while it is skied slightly more than he might have liked there is plenty enough carry.

Australia 143-5 (17.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A single to Stoinis, a double for Matthew Wade, whipping nicely off his toes.

Australia 140-5 (17), M Stoinis 38, M Wade 8, H Rauf 0-32 (3)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A dot and a single to finish up the over but Australia back on level terms, just, as this encounter swings back and forth. 37 from the last three overs with Marcus Stoinis firing - this could be mighty tight. Hasan Ali to close his spell.

SIX! AND FOUR! Australia 139-5 (16.4)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Demolished into the stands! A crunching hook from Marcus Stoinis as a Haris Rauf short ball sits up invitingly and that is an enormous blow!

And he follows it up with a four! Close to a yorker from Rauf but Stoinis has just enough room to bring his bat through, slithering at great pace between the non-striker and the stumps for another crucial boundary. Like a long-hitting golfer’s drive, with a hint of left to right movement.

Australia 129-5 (16.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Top fielding! 39 years of age and Shoaib Malik is still throwing himself around like a teenager with little regard for their safety, tumbling awkwardly but keeping Australia to two.

Australia 127-5 (16), M Stoinis 25, M Wade 8, Hasan Ali 0-29 (3)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Decent fight back from Hasan Ali, closing with a cutter and drawing a dot as Matthew Wade fails to adjust to the change of pace.

That is a concern for Pakistan, however - Ali falls to the floor after the exertions of that off-cutter and will need a drink, and a chat with the team doctor. He doesn’t look particularly well but he’ll in all likelihood have six more balls to bowl - unless Babar Azam gambles with six balls of Imad Wasim. 50 needed from 24 balls.

Australia 124-5 (15.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A firm pull and two more to Stoinis.

FOUR! Australia 122-5 (15.1)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Twelve of the last 30 will presumably be bowled by Hasan Ali, probably the most hittable of Pakistan’s seamers. And here comes Marcus Stoinis, all sharp edges and muscular power as he drives cleanly wide of long-off. Four runs!

Two more to the leg-side and a no-ball, too! Hasan Ali oversteps.

Australia 115-5 (15), M Stoinis 15, M Wade 7, Shaheen 1-14 (3)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just wide of the fielder! A leading edge from Marcus Stoinis, Shaheen producing a ripping off-cutter, and very nearly into the hands of backward point. Mohammad Hafeez puts in a despairing dive, and Australia take two to third man.

Six from the over. 62 required from 30 balls.

Missed run out! Australia 111-5 (14.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stoinis is nearly on his way! Matthew Wade curiously calls through his partner for a single as Stoinis is struck in the midriff pulling and had a pivoting Shaheen in his follow-through been on target with his hurl for the bowler’s end, Australia would have been in proper strife.

Australia 109-5 (14), M Stoinis 11, M Wade 5, Haris Rauf 0-19 (2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A nifty finish from Haris Rauf, snaking a slower ball by Marcus Stoinis’ indecisive push outside off.

Six overs left, 68 to get, and Shaheen Shah Afridi is taking off his cap.

FOUR! Australia 108-5 (13.4)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Edged, but falls short! Haris Rauf’s overs have been back-loaded after taking some tap earlier and he draws an error from Matthew Wade, cutting a ball neither wide nor short enough for the shot and fortunate that it falls short of Mohammad Rizwan.

That’s a decent riposte! Full and on off-stump and a crisp drive back over the bowler’s head to give Wade his first runs.

Australia 103-5 (13), M Stoinis 11, Matthew Wade 0, Shadab Khan 4-26 (4)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Matthew Wade is the new batter, by the way, and defends a googly from Shadab to extra cover to close an outstanding night for an outstanding talent. To think that Shadab came into this tournament under a little pressure after a dip in his recent bowling returns: 4-0-26-4, a wicket in every over, and the best ever figures in a men’s T20 World Cup semi-final. A potentially match-winning spell.

SIX! Australia 102-5 (12.3)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Marcus Stoinis hits back! A clean blow over cow corner as Shadab overpitches. There is life in Australia yet.

OUT! Glenn Maxwell c Haris Rauf b Shadab Khan 7 (10b 0x4 0x6), Australia 96-5 (12.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 17:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

NESTLES IN THE HANDS OF THE FIELDER! Another massive wicket for Shadab Khan!

Babar sticks with his leg-spinner, hoping he can get him one more, and Shadab duly obliges. Glenn Maxwell looks to his strong shot against leg-spin, the lifted reverse sweep over short third man, but is late on it, skewing it in front of square and within reaching distance of the cover sweeping fielder.

Haris Rauf almost oveerruns it but adjusts well and takes a very smart catch. Australia slip further into the mire.

Australia 95-4 (12), M Stoinis 3, G Maxwell 7, I Wasim 0-25 (3)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A good return from Imad, Maxwell pilfering two from a loose reverse sweep, a top edge clearing keeper Mohammad Rizwan. Australia still firmly in the game but Pakistan starting to squeeze.

Australia 92-4 (11.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

With Warner gone, Babar Azam feels safe to recall Imad Wasim to the attack. Two dot balls to begin to Stoinis, who is showing plenty of his stumps. Dangerous against Imad’s skiddy darts.

Australia 92-4 (11), Marcus Stoinis 2, G Maxwell 5, Shadab Khan 3-18 (3)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

David Warner gives someone else on the Australia balcony a curious look, presumably having seen the footage of his dismissal. He shrugs his shoulders - he obviously thought he had hit it. Batters don’t always know...

Another outstanding over from Shadab, who is keeping Pakistan in this.

Australia 90-4 (10.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Would you believe it? UltraEdge shows that Warner didn’t edge that! Had he reviewed, he would have survived! Clear daylight between bat and ball but Warner thought he had felt something and was happy enough to wander off!

The wicket has brought Marcus Stoinis to the crease, ever a nervy starter against spin, but a delicate dab down on one knee to fine leg will get him off the mark.

OUT! David Warner c †Mohammad Rizwan b Shadab Khan 49 (30b 3x4 3x6), Australia 89-4 (10.1)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

THEY CAN! RIGHT AWAY! Drinks brings a huge, huge wicket, Shadab pushing the ball across David Warner, who drives hard at it.

A bit of extra bounce, though, and a sliver of the outside edge, and Mohammad Rizwan’s gleeful whooping behind the stumps is given extra gusto by the bowler as the umpire raises the finger. That could be a massive moment.

DRINKS

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia on top. Shaheen Shah Afridi threatened to completely derail the chase before it had even left the station with a simpluy scintillating first over, but Australia have regathered well since, a useful 28 from Mitchell Marsh supporting a most pleasing concerto from David Warner. He’s one short of his half century and Australia have knocked off more than half of the required 177 in the opening ten overs, with their two best hitters of spin at the crease to counter Pakistan’s preferred strategy. Shaheen’s remaining two overs will be key but the chasing side are ahead of the game and may not need to attack the left-armer.

Can Pakistan fight back? Here’s Shadab for his third...

Australia 89-3 (10), D Warner 49, G Maxwell 4, Hasan Ali 0-17 (2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Would have been out with a direct hit! Glenn Maxwell calls Warner through for a single that simply isn’t there to the left-handed Fakhar Zaman’s strong-side at extra cover, and had Zaman hit a stump-and-a-half on the angle of his throw then that would have been Warner’s night over.

The throw bounces by, and that will be drinks!

FOUR! Australia 84-3 (9.1)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Talking of which! The returning Hasan Ali is swept delightfully over short fine leg for four. Warner three away from a fifty.

Australia 80-3 (9), D Warner 43, Glenn Maxwell 1, Shadab 2-15 (2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That wicket has brought Glenn Maxwell to the crease. Smith lasted only six balls but would they have been more valuable delivered to Maxwell? Australia still in decent shape with Warner in such good touch.

OUT! Steven Smith c Fakhar Zaman b Shadab Khan 5 (6b 1x4 0x6), Australia 77-3 (8.3)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Steve Smith holes out! He throws his bat about like a furious Star Wars character with a lightsaber, absolutely incandescent with his failure to find proper timing on a reaching slog sweep to a ball that just defeats him in the flight, coming down a touch short of the length for which Smith is swinging.

Another swirling catch in the deep from a Pakistan fielder (Fakhar Zaman this time) and Shadab has his second.

SIX! Australia 76-2 (8.1)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Down the track and into the stands! Another towering blow from David Warner, light on his feet but heavy with his hands as he deposits Shadab Khan some 20 rows back over long-on. 40 off 23 for the Australia opener now - having been dropped in the IPL, he’s properly back in form.

Australia 70-2 (8), D Warner 34, S Smith 5, Mohammad Hafeez 0-13 (1)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That is not an over that Mohammad Hafeez will wish to scrap-book, with a hideous wide down leg thrown in for good measure. In fact, he’s fortunate that it is only 13 from it. Australia edge back ahead, marginally.

SIX AND NO BALL! Australia 66-2 (7.1)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here is some off-spin, as forecasted - Mohmmad Hafeez to have a twirl with David Warner on strike...

WHAT’S HAPPENED THERE?!? THE BALL HAS STUCK IN HAFEEZ’S HAND, BOUNCED TWICE AND BEEN ABSOLUTE MASSACRED OVER MIDWICKET FOR SIX! An extraordinary shot from Warner and a free hit next ball, too. Disaster of a start from Hafeez, though Warner gets just two from the freebie.

FOUR! Australia 57-2 (7), D Warner 24, Steve Smith 4, Shadab Khan 1-5 (1)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia sticking to their order so far - Steve Smith sent to the crease. They might have been tempted to send Glenn Maxwell in had it been two overs later but Smith has time to get himself in.

A proactive approach straight away! A cue-ender as he tries to paddle sweep a full ball from Shadab, before Smith gets away with a streaky cut that chops beyond Mohammad Rizwan’s waiting gloves and into the third man boundary for four.

OUT! Mitchell Marsh c Asif Ali b Shadab Khan 28 (22b 3x4 1x6), Australia 52-2 (6.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Taken in the deep! Shadab strikes with his second ball! Mitchell Marsh fails to pick a googly that leaps into the top edge as the right-hander tries to sweep.

High for the heavens it flies, falling back to earth like a meteor and down on the head of Asif Ali, who takes a tricky catch as the ball swirls late on him out of the lights.

Australia 52-1 (6), D Warner 23, M Marsh 28, Hasan Ali 0-8 (1)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Eight from Hasan Ali’s first. I’m a little surprised that Pakistan haven’t turned to off-spin yet - it is Warner’s weakness and Mitchell Marsh tends to struggle against spin, even, atypically, the ball turning into him.

Might we see some as the field is permitted to spread at the end of the powerplay? Not just yet - it is Shadab Khan’s leg-spin. Expect plenty of googlies, especially to Warner. Australia on top.

FOUR! Australia 49-1 (5.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Down the leg side and swivelled away! Four more to the tally of Mitch Marsh, picking up an errant short ball from Ali and sending him wide of short fine leg for four. He goes to 26 from 17 balls.

Australia 45-1 (5.1)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hasan Ali will be the third member of this Pakistan pace triumvirate to be introduced. Warner knocks him for a single.

Australia 44-1 (5), D Warner 21, M Marsh 22, Haris Rauf 0-14 (1)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

14 off Haris Rauf’s first over after those two boundaries to open it. After the grand theatre of Shaheen’s first, Australia have reloaded well.

SIX! Australia 40-1 (4.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Welcome to the game Haris! Mitch Marsh has a degree of familiarity with Rauf from their battles in the Big Bash and knows what to expect, sitting deep in his crease to wait for the on-pace back-of-a-length ball and pulling fiercely for the midwicket fence. It goes all the way!

And four more next ball! Streakier, with Marsh late on his defensive jab, but an edge beats a diving third man fielder on the boundary and Australia are beginning to fight back.

Australia 30-1 (4), D Warner 19, M Marsh 10, I Wasim 0-22 (2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mitch Marsh keeps the strike with a single off the last ball of Imad Wasim’s second over. That’ll be him done for now, you’d think, but will Pakistan be tempted to seek another powerplay wicket by keeping Shaheen on...

They won’t. Babar Azam goes to his other high-pace quick - Haris Rauf into the attack.

FOUR! Australia 28-1 (3.4)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Even better! This is high-class manipulation from Warner, this time getting across his stumps and low, lifting a scooped sweep over short fine leg for another cleanly-struck four. He’s pouncing on a preferred match-up.

SIX! Australia 24-1 (3.3)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

LARGE! A thunderous strike from David Warner, rocking back deep in his crease on a slightly short ball from Imad Wasim from around the wicket, waiting for it to just check in the surface ever so slightly and bringing that great chunk of willow through the back of it. Long and high over midwicket!

Carved! Another fine stroke, giving himself room and picking an offside gap to bisect. He does so perfectly. Imad under pressure.

Australia 13-1 (3), D Warner 4, M Marsh 8, Shaheen 1-8 (2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Shane Watson is on commentary, likely getting horrible flashbacks as he watches a Pakistan left-arm quick tie Australian batters in knots at a World Cup. He recalls the torture he endured at the hands of Wahab Riaz strangely fondly, in fact.

FOUR! Australia 12-1 (2.3)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Shot! Marsh stands tall to one that is just pushed across him and drives very nicely on the front foot straight of extra cover for four.

NO BALL! Australia 8-1 (2.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The stadium is virtually charging in alongside Shaheen as he bristles with intensity through his run-up...

Overly intense! An over-step, just! Nothing behind the line, and a free hit for Mitch Marsh to swing at...

Dot ball! A slower ball into the surface and Marsh is in another timezone with his pull.

Australia 6-1 (2), D Warner 3, M Marsh 3, Imad Wasim 0-5 (1)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

More placid fare than Shaheen’s first - three singles, one from a Warner reverse sweep, and an inside-edgy flicked two from Mitch Marsh.

Right - back to the main eventer.

Australia 2-1 (1.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Over to the comparatively pedestrian Imad Wasim, nominally a left-arm spinner but defeating batters by skid and swing rather than turn with the new ball. Warner knocks a single to the leg side.

Australia 1-1 (1), David Warner 1, Mitchell Marsh 0, Shaheen Shah Afridi 1-1 (1)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Marsh then plays right around another in-ducker that ducks like a fighter jet beyond his nervous drive at it outside off, Mohammad Rizwan appealing with arms aloft, more in over-excitement than in actual hopes of drawing a decision.

Marsh finally gets bat on ball as he pats Shaheen’s sixth ball back to the bowler. What a start from Pakistan’s left-armer!

NOT OUT! Australia 1-1 (0.4)

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This is even more brutal, carving into the front toe like a chainsaw through an ice sculpture as Marsh gets his feet in a right mess.

Where’s it hit him? UMPIRE’S CALL! It’s clipping leg stump, but will stay not out! This is utterly unplayable stuff from Shaheen.

REVIEW! GIVEN NOT OUT BUT DOES SHAHEEN HAVE TWO IN TWO!

Thursday 11 November 2021 16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another vicious inswinger and Mitchell Marsh might be on his way first ball too! Given not out on the field but Pakistan have sent this upstairs and that looked rather adjacent!

They are checking the run out first - not out. On to the LBW

OUT! Aaron Finch lbw b Shaheen Shah Afridi 0 (1b 0x4 0x6), Australia 1-1 (0.3)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

WHAT A DELIVERY! That is some ball from Shaheen Shah Afridi!

92mph and late movement from a full length, careering in to Aaron Finch’s inviting forward stride, making sweet love to the knee roll as it arcs for the stumps. A simply unplayable ball to start for Finch, who before that averaged 173 in T20 international cricket against left-arm seam. But Shaheen, as he has been all tournament, is in a different class!

Australia 1-0 (0.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It will be Shaheen to start, immediately arcing one wide of David Warner’s defensive prod outside off as he finds early away movement to the left-hander.

Warner nudges one to leg to get off the mark.

Tactics - Can Shaheen strike again?

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Shaheen Shah Afridi will hope to throw Australia of course. He is a simply stunning sight in full flow with the swinging new ball, and though Aaron Finch tends to be strong against left-arm seamers, both he and David Warner will be test by the tournament’s most captivating bowler so far. Afridi will have to get one, and preferably two, you’d say, because otherwise Australia will be able to pace the chase with wickets in hand.

Australia have five right-handers in the top six but are generally weaker against spin than pace, Maxwell aside. Don’t be surprised if Pakistan still give an over or two to Mohammad Hafeez or Shoaib Malik through the middle. Here we go!

Tactics - Will Australia promote Glenn Maxwell?

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia have played with their order at times in this competition and it would be no surprise to see them again do so tonight. 177 is big enough that Steve Smith’s steadying hands are probably of more limited usage than when chasing a more modest total, while with Pakistan likely to try and go spin heavy through the middle overs on this track, don’t be surprised if, presuming Australia are able to get through the powerplay unscathed, Glenn Maxwell is pushed up the order to try and take down Pakistan’s spinners.

Pakistan make 177 in their 20 overs

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pakistan will be pleased to have catapulted themselves up to an eminently defendable total. They probably could have attacked earlier on a surface that looks good for batting but some death overs savagery from Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman will give their bowlers something rather handy to bowl at. Australia’s spinners were able to use the skiddy surface well - it looks a track to suit Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan, who will hope to exploit the opposition’s weakness against spin.

Australia will be pleased, too, though. With dew already apparent and the surface only getting better, 177 is something they will set about hauling down with relative confidence.

Matthew Hayden speaks to the host broadcaster

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“Obviously, there is a conflict of interest because my heart is Australia, but I love being a part of this batting lineup. This is a great opportunity for Pakistan.

“Rizwan was in hospital a night ago with some sort of lung condition. This is a warrior who has got great courage.”

Australia will require 177 to reach the T20 World Cup final!

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pakistan 176-4 (20)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just a single from the last - Pakistan close on 176, which is probably just about par.

SIX AND FIFTY! Pakistan 175-4 (19.5)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

BUTCHERY! Same ball, same shot, perhaps even bigger as Zaman again crunches Starc into the raucous Pakistan fans over cow corner.

Fifty for Fakhar Zaman from 31 balls with three fours and four sixes!

SIX! Pakistan 169-4 (19.4)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

CLEARED AND READY FOR TAKE OFF! THAT’S ABSOLUTELY HUGE!

Fakhar Zaman goes deep in his crease and latches on to a slot ball, carting Starc over wide long-on for six.

Pakistan 163-4 (19.3)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A mistimed pull to fine leg, who is back on the fence, as Starc goes short. There’s a bit of dew already so Australia are avoiding trying the yorkers that had caused those earlier costly full tosses.

OUT! Shoaib Malik b Starc 1 (2b 0x4 0x6), Pakistan 162-4 (19.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Timbers shivered! Around the wicket and wide of the crease, Starc runs his fingers down the outside of the ball, just changing the pace slightly and beating a rather desperate heave at it from Shoaib Malik, ball cannoning into the top of middle and leg.

A strong last eight balls for Australia - can Mohammad Hafeez cause some damage?

Pakistan 162-3 (19.1)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just a single from the first ball as Zaman drags a shorter, slower ball to long-on.

Pakistan 161-3 (19), Shoaib Malik 1, F Zaman 41, P Cummins 1-30 (4)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

He can. A well-delivered off-cutter bouncer deceives Zaman, who is through his shot too soon and becomes the second Pakistan batter to have his grille disturbed this evening. Shoaib Malik, somewhat cruelly, calls his stricken teammate through for a single to give the set batter the strike for the last. Zaman fit to continue after a once over from the doctors.

Pakistan 160-3 (18.5)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This is excellent from Pat Cummins, two singles followed by two dots. Can he close the over out?

PUT DOWN! Pakistan 159-3 (18.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Now Smith drops one! It’s a simple enough chance again as Zaman slices his slog to Smith’s right at long-off, but the fielder perhaps loses it in the lights a little, forced to lunge at it from his knees as it fades on him at the last moment and shelling it. Cummins should have had two in two.

OUT! Asif Ali c Smith b Cummins 0 (1b 0x4 0x6), Pakistan 158-3 (18.1)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A golden duck for Asif Ali! Well, he’s finally got a tournament average, at least, but there will be no fireworks from Pakistan’s chief of pyrotechnics tonight. A miscued heave, and another simple snare for Steve Smith.

Shoaib Malik in but off-strike.

Pakistan 158-2 (18), Asif Ali 0, F Zaman 40, M Starc 1-23 (3)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The batters do well to come back for two to end an expensive over from Starc. Asif Ali on strike as Pat Cummins begins the 19th.

FOUR! Pakistan 155-2 (17.5)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The umpire hits the deck! A drive Fakhar Zaman nearly takes Chris Gaffaney’s hat to the boundary as he piles into a Starc full toss, crunching it arrow-straight.

Gaffaney dusts himself off and signals four.

SIX! Pakistan 149-2 (17.3)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gigantic! Remarkable bat-speed through a relatively full ball from Fakhar, on strike after the batters crossed, and demolishing Starc over long-on into the posh seats.

OUT! Mohammad Rizwan c Smith b Starc 67 (52b 3x4 4x6), Pakistan 143-2 (17.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mitchell Starc gets Mohammad Rizwan! Starc has looked a class apart tonight, around the wicket to Rizwan but still looking for wide yorkers, nailing it first up and then forcing a contortion as Rizwan reaches for the second, only able to ladle it up to the fielder at mid-off in the circle.

Unsurprisingly it is Asif Ali who strides out...

Pakistan 143-1 (17), M Rizwan 67, F Zaman 26, J Hazlewood 0-49 (4)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Those blows have lifted the largely Pakistan-supporting crowd, who are making plenty of noise as Rizwan slices a single to long-off as he hustles down the track to Hazlewood’s final ball. 21 from the over. Pakistan eyeing something in excess of 175.

SIX! Pakistan 142-1 (16.5)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Six! A shimmy across, a slot ball, a cleanly-struck slog over the rope!

FOUR! AND A FREE HIT! Pakistan 131-1 (16.5)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A horribly high full toss and hooked for four! Hazlewood’s attempted yorker slips from the hand and is virtually at head height as it reaches Mohammad Rizwan, but the batter adjusts well and hooks it away for four.

And will now have use of the free hit...

SIX! Pakistan 128-1 (16.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Much better! What a shot! This time Hazlewood misses his yorker, hitting a length and allowing Zaman to flay through it, driving crisply with plenty of bottom-handed welly over the long-off fielder for a much-needed maximum, to go to 23 (18b).

Pakistan 122-1 (16.1)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Fakhar Zaman is struggling a bit here. He tries to get down low and paddle sweep Josh Hazlewood but the seamer sticks to his plan, hitting a yorker outside off and preventing Zaman making contact.

Pakistan 122-1 (16), M Rizwan 56, F Zaman 17, A Zampa 1-22 (4)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Zampa does end very well! Just five from his last with Pakistan trying to come at him and that’s an excellent return on a pitch not offering prodigious spin. Sharp bowling: 4-0-22-1 his final figures.

Pakistan 120-1 (15.3)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Adam Zampa’s last over has been held back and the leggie will try and finish a strong night so far now. Fakhar is looking to the stands on the leg-side but can’t find his timing - three singles from the first half of Zampa’s over.

Pakistan 117-1 (15), M Rizwan 54, F Zaman 14, P Cummins 0-28 (3)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

For someone so accurate with a red ball in his hands Pat Cummins tends to produce strangely scattergun stylings in short-format cricket, but other than that stomach-high full toss he escapes major punishment, Rizwan happy to pick a leg-side hole and call Fakhar Zaman back for two to conclude the 15th over.

Five left - what will Pakistan be eyeing? This looks a better surface than last night, and Pakistan have plenty of hitters to come.

FOUR! Pakistan 113-1 (14.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Rizwan has gone beyond 1000 runs in 2021, the only man to do so thus far - what a decision his elevation to the top of the order has proved to be.

Here’s Fakhar Zaman, though! A horrible, high full-toss outside off from Pat Cumminsand guided fine of third man for four by the left-hander. Signalled a no-ball, and a FREE HIT!

Short, pulled away...just a single. Zaman fails to make clean connection.

FIFTY! Pakistan 106-1 (14), M Rizwan 50, F Zaman 8, J Hazlewood 0-28 (3)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Fifty for Mohammad Rizwan (41 balls, 2x4, 3x6)! It hasn’t necessarily been entirely pretty and Rizwan struggled to find his timing early but like Daryl Mitchell last night he has stayed at the crease and is beginning to eye an acceleration. A third half-century of the tournament for a man who keeps churning out scores at the top of the order.

SIX! Pakistan 105-1 (13.5)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Launched! A slower ball from Josh Hazlewood but plunging invitingly into the arc of Mohammad Rizwan, targeting his favoured legside with a slog and getting plenty on it.

FOUR! Pakistan 98-1 (13.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Josh Hazlewood has returned for his third over, Aaron Finch just giving Adam Zampa a break having taken some tap in his previous over. Hazlewood floats a slower ball wide of off stump and will have to reload it and bowl again, but when he does Fakhar Zaman gets his first boundary away, a little bit agricultural as he heaves to the leg-side but effective enough, clearing midwicket and beating deep square leg into the advertising toblerone.

Pakistan 92-1 (13), M Rizwan 42, F Zaman 3, M Starc 0-8 (2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A half-appeal from Mitchell Starc as he produces another yorker that this time beats a more adventurous swing from Fakhar Zaman, but it is tailing away and down the legside on the angle, as evidenced by Matthew Wade’s fast moving crabbing to his right behind the stumps. The keeper wards captain Aaron Finch off a review despite Starc’s raised arms.

Pakistan 91-1 (12.4)

Thursday 11 November 2021 15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Clang! Mitchell Starc looks to be in real rhythm tonight, and that isn’t nice at all! A short ball beats Mohammad Rizwan’s hook and slams against the batter’s grille. 90 mph, according to the speed gun, and Rizwan is a little shaken. A visible indentation of the grill on the side of his cheek as he receives a concussion assessment from the Pakistan medic.

Pakistan 90-1 (12.2)

Thursday 11 November 2021 14:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

On the money straight away. After a single hands strike to Fakhar Zaman the left-hander is forced to retrieve his shovel and dig out an accurate yorker from Starc.

Pakistan 89-1 (12), M Rizwan 40, F Zaman 2, A Zampa 1-17 (3)

Thursday 11 November 2021 14:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A clear shift of tempo from Rizwan in that over, clearly knowing that he needs to get a move on. He sashays down to Zampa’s last ball, the 35th that he has faced all told, and unfurls a great flay that goes on the bounce to long-off for only a single.

Mitchell Starc has three overs left after bowling the first of the match, and he’ll have a first trundle for a while now.

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