Pakistan vs Australia ICC World Twenty20, 2021

SIX! There is no last over! If the previous one did not seal the deal, this definitely did. Matthew Wade, take a bow. AUSTRALIA ARE IN THE FINAL AS THEY WIN BY 5 WICKETS! Another outrageous stroke from Wade. He tries the paddle scoop, it is a full toss on middle, Wade times it well over the fine leg fence for a biggie.

SIX! That is out of here! Matthew Wade, you beauty! What an innings from him. That is probably the blow that seals the deal for Australia. This is right in his slot. Full and on middle, this is heaved over the mid-wicket fence. Another hit will do it.

A big conference. Shoaib Malik, Shadab Khan and Babar Azam are in discussion with Shaheen Afridi. Does the pacer have another trick up his sleeve?

SIX! This will hurt Hasan Ali even more! Pindrop silence here in the stadium as Australia now only need 12 off 8 balls. It is their game to lose. What an audacious shot this by Wade! He plays the paddle scoop. This is a 148 KPH delivery, full and on middle, Wade just uses the pace and scoops it over the fine leg fence.

DROPPED! Hasan Ali, has he just dropped the game? He has had a forgetful outing so far. Shaheen can't believe it and the fans are also shell-shocked. A slower one, on middle, Wade lifts it towards deep mid-wicket, not off the middle. Hasan Ali runs to his left, gets to the ball but spills it. Two taken.

WIDE! Shaheen gets away with one! He bowls one down the leg side, Wade just needed to get some bat on it but misses. Wided.

NOT OUT! Pitched well outside leg! Pakistan lose a review. It was a review more in desperation. Shaheen hits the deck hard again and attacks the stumps. Stoinis looks to flick but is late into the shot. He misses. It hits the pad and rolls towards point. The batters go for one as there is an appeal by the bowler. The umpire moves away. He then signals a leg bye. It is reviewed but the replays show that the on-field call is the right one.

Review time! This seems like a review taken in hope by Pakistan. A review is taken for LBW. No bat on it. Pitching way outside leg. The review is lost.

That is brilliant from Rizwan! Straightaway indicated it did not carry! Length and on off, slightly shorter actually. Stoinis looks to pull but it goes off the under-edge to the left of Rizwan who dives and takes it. Shaheen appeals, he is almost celebrating but Rizwan says it has bounced. A dot nonetheless. 22 needed in 11 balls.

Who will bowl the 19th over? 22 needed from 2 overs now. The Aussies are right back in it. Here comes Shaheen Afridi to bowl the most important over of Pakistan's campaign.

FOUR! A boundary off the last ball and that probably turns the tide in the favour of the Aussies. 22 needed now in 12 balls. This is full and on middle, Wade once again whips it, this time he gets it behind square on the leg side and it races away. This is an outstanding partnership between the two. They took Australia over the line against the South Africans and have given themselves a good chance here.

Lands it on a length this time, on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

Just the one! On middle, this is whipped through mid-wicket for one. That is a good ball, not easy to get under those.

SIX! KABOOM! There is the biggie Australia needed. The 50-run stand is up at the right time for the Aussies. The work is still not done though. This is full and outside off, a slower one. Wade manages to drag it over the long on fence for a biggie. 28 needed in 15, three big balls coming up.

Well fielded! Full and on middle, Wade whips it through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep runs to his left and stops it. Two taken.

Wade wanted two but not taken! On middle, Stoinis works it through mid-wicket. They run the first one quickly. There is a collision between Hasan and Stoinis, who tries to turn for the second. In the end, only one.

Just a run then to end! Still though, a huge over. 13 from it. 37 needed in 18. Short and on middle, Stoinis pulls it through square leg, towards the fielder for one.

Well bowled! Length, seam-up and into the body of the batter, cramping him for room. Stoinis plays it back to the bowler.

FOUR! That is a brute of a stroke! Shadab did try his best but his effort went in vain! This is very full and on middle, Stoinis powers it down the ground. Shadab, from long off, runs to his right, dives but does not stop it. 10 from the last two balls, can Australia now make this into a huge over?

SIX! Bang! That goes all the way! A welcome biggie. Stoinis this time waits for the slower one, he was expecting it and Rauf bowls it. It is on a length and on off, Stoinis heaves it over the mid-wicket fence. It is on the shorter side of the ground and goes all the way.

What exceptional work in the field! Shoaib Malik, take a bow, this guy is 39 and he just ran across the field like he is in his early 20s. On middle, this is whipped with power through mid-wicket. Malik runs to his left, dives and keeps it down to two.

Dots will just keep building the pressure here! Rauf has been brilliant in the death and starts well. A slower one and on off, Stoinis pushes it back to the bowler. He is not picking the slower ones here.

The required rate has reached 12.5 now and Australia need a big over here. Remember, the semi-final between England and New Zealand saw the game turn on its head in the 17th over too. The Aussies need something similar here. Haris Rauf is back on.

A dot to end! So Hasan came back really well in the second half of his over. Still, 12 from the over and the Aussies need 50 in the last 4. A slower one outside off, Wade swings, he is early in the swing and hence, misses.

A short one now, not very short, fractionally short. Cramping Stoinis for room. He pulls it through mid-wicket for one.

Brilliant! A yorker now, on middle, Wade jams it out on the leg side and gets to the other end.

Good work from Hasan Ali! A slower one, on middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket with soft hands. Hasan Ali does well to run after the ball and keeps it down to one. Good commitment shown by the pacer.

Another two! Hasan goes short and delivers a slower one. Stoinis pulls it through mid-wicket. Two again.

NO BALL AND TWO! This is poor from Hasan Ali. No balls are not what Pakistan would want! This time though the delivery is good, it is full and on middle, Stoinis whips it through mid-wicket for two. Free Hit coming up.

FOUR! Evading two diving fielders and into the fence! Perfect start to the over, this is the bowler they needed to target and the over has started well for the Aussies. Pressure on Hasan Ali. He goes full and wide outside off. Stoinis hits it past the diving cover fielder. Long off runs to his left and then puts in a dive but fails to stop it.

Hasan Ali (2-0-17-0) is back on. He has not had the best of tournaments and could be targeted by the Aussies.

A run to end! 6 from the over only. The required rate is above 12 now. Shorter and outside off, this is cut through point toward the sweeper for one.

Leading edge but safe! Almost another one for Shaheen! Another cutter, it lands on middle and then grips. Stoinis looks to work it on the leg side. It goes off the leading edge wide of point and towards third man for two.

Just a single again! Full and on middle, Wade whips it through square leg. Only one. Excellent stuff from Shaheen.

A dot! Gold! Sees Wade coming down and outsmarts him with a short one outside off. Wade looks to cut but misses.

Another chance goes begging! Stoinis gets a lifeline. A short slower one on middle, Stoinis looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto the body. It rolls beside the stumps. Stoinis is late to take off. Shaheen gets to the ball, picks it up and has a shy at the bowler's end. Luckily for Stoinis, he misses.

A slower one, angling into the body, Wade works it through square leg. Takes one. Singles won't really harm Pakistan as the required rate is well over 11 now.

Shadab Khan is done with his spell. Shaheen Afridi (2-0-8-1) is brought back on. His two overs will be extremely crucial here.

A beauty to end! A dot more importantly. 68 needed off 36 balls. A slower one, this lands on off and then grips. Stoinis is beaten as he tries to put the bat on the ball. Really good over from Rauf. Despite the boundary, only 6 from it.

Good comeback! Goes short and quick on middle, Wade looks to pull but is late on the shot. It goes off the splice towards long on for one.

FOUR! That lands just before the ropes! A welcome boundary though. Releases a little bit of pressure. Fuller and on middle, Wade powers it down the ground for a one-bounce boundary.

Edged and short! Really good stop in the end by Rizwan! On a length and on off, angling away. Wade looks to guide it down to third man but it goes off the outside edge, lands just in front and to the left of Rizwan who dives and stops it.

On the pads, another slower one. Stoinis looks to flick but misses. It hits the pads and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye is taken.

A direct hit and Wade was a goner! Shadab was the fielder. Everything he has done so far has gone right, this time though luckily for Wade, he misses. On off, Stoinis guides it to point. Wade wants a run and sets off. He is sent back. Shadab runs towards the ball, picks it up and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

Change. Haris Rauf (1-0-14-0) is back on.

Slower, tossed up delivery. Matthew Wade gets forward and blocks it. End of a brilliant spell by Shadab Khan. 4-0-26-4. 74 needed now from 7 overs.

Shorter length and Marcus Stoinis gets back and punches it to sweeper cover for a single.

Quicker, flatter, on off. Marcus Stoinis gets forward and defends it towards the cover fielder in the ring.

SIX! Geez! This is an entertaining chase! Googly, on off. Marcus Stoinis lines himself up and heaves it away. The man from deep mid-wicket gets to his left but the ball goes over him and for a maximum. 100 up!

Matthew Wade walks out to bat! This is the last recognized pair, only the all-rounders left after this. A lot relies on these two.

OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust and Australia are crumbling under pressure! Shadab Khan gets another wicket! Tossed up, on off, Maxwell goes for the reverse batted shot. He hits it quite well but there is a fielder at deep point. Haris Rauf runs in, dives to his right and takes the catch after misjudging it initially. One wonders if Maxwell could have played out Shadab and then targeted some other bowler. Another questionable shot selection from an Aussie batter. 81 needed off 46 balls.

Shorter, on off. Marcus Stoinis gets back and punches it to long off for a single.

Quicker, flatter delivery again, on the stumps. Glenn Maxwell reverse sweeps but gets a top edge behind the keeper for a couple. 82 needed now from 48 balls.

Quicker one on off. Glenn Maxwell drives it back to the bowler.

Shorter length, outside off. Marcus Stoinis punches it to sweeper cover for a single.

Fuller, on middle, Marcus Stoinis looks to drive but gets an inside edge again onto his pads. Dot ball again.

Flatter, on the stumps, Marcus Stoinis punches it to the cover fielder.

Fuller, quicker, on the leg stump. Marcus Stoinis makes room and looks to hit it towards the off side but gets an inside edge past the stumps.

Imad Wasim is back! So as soon as Warner gets out, Babar turns to the left-arm spinner.

Googly, on middle and leg. Stoinis taps it to the leg side for one at mid-wicket. Yet another successful over for the leggie.

Flatter ball, on off. Maxwell gets the outside edge while looking to block. The ball goes towards backward point and a single is taken.

Loopy ball, around off. Blocked out.

Oh...just short of the fielder!  Shorter length, outside off, Maxwell looks to cut but gets a thick edge just short of the backward point fielder.

Fuller by Shadab, on off. Marcus Stoinis gets on his knees and paddles it to fine leg for a single.

Marcus Stoinis is the new man in now.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Shadab Khan is the man for Pakistan! He gets the big, big wicket of Warner and Khan is running in celebration! How often have we seen a wicket fall after the break? This is quicker and angled across Warner. He goes for the drive but fails to middle his shot. Mohammad Rizwan grabs the ball behind the stumps. There is a huge appeal and up goes the finger! A big moment in this game and the Australian lower order will be under huge pressure now. OH! HOLD ON! UltraEdge shows no spike. Warner would have been safe had he reviewed it! Massive miss.

DRINKS! Now then, despite the three wickets, Australia have their noses in front slightly. 88 is what they need in 60 balls and by the time Warner is in, you have to say, Australia are the favourites. Maxwell, on the other hand, has to avoid what Marsh and Smith did. He just needs to give the strike over to Warner and hang in there with him. Can he do so? Pakistan know they need wickets, especially Warner's. Where will it come from? A thriller is loading here at the Dubai International Stadium.

Full toss, on the stumps, Warner works it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 88 needed now from the last 10 overs.

CHANCE OF A RUN OUT! Missed. David Warner survives and it's a big moment in the game. Back of a length again, on off. Maxwell pushes it to covers and sets off for a quick single. Fakhar Zaman in the ring gets across and collects the ball. He fires in a throw at the striker's end but misses the stumps. Warner was not even in the frame. A bad call for a run and Australia are lucky here.

Shorter length, around leg, Maxwell pulls it wide of fine leg. The fielder reacts to his left and stops the ball. A couple taken.

Back of a length again, on off. Maxwell gets back and defends it off the back foot towards the off side.

Back of a length, outside off. Warner cuts it to sweeper cover for a single.

FOUR! Goodness, this guy is so good when on song! Length ball, down the leg side. Warner gets low and sweeps it over short fine leg for a boundary. Brilliant batting by the southpaw here. He holds the key for Australia here.

Hasan Ali comes back! Just the one over for Hafeez then.

Shorter, on the pads. Warner pulls it to fine leg for another single. 97 needed now from 66 balls.

Shorter, on off. Maxwell gets back and works it to deep mid-wicket for a single. He is off the mark.

Slower, fuller delivery. Warner drives it square on the off side for a single.

Glenn Maxwell walks out to bat now! We have seen the last two wickets being gifted away. What approach will Glenn take? He is generally an attacking player but he can take some time to get set here.

OUT! TAKEN! Shadab Khan does it yet again here! He keeps getting Pakistan back in the game! Tossed up, on off. Smith attempts the slog-sweep but just like Marsh, he gets a top edge. The ball goes miles in the air but Fakhar Zaman settles under it at deep mid-wicket and pouches it. You can question the shot selection here as it was quite needless from Smudge. All he needed to do was to rotate the strike and let Warner take care of hitting the big shots. Knowing him, he would be regretting at the moment.

Fuller, on middle. Warner pushes it to long on and wants a double but Smith rightly sends him back. A single taken.

SIX! Crunched! That is absolutely crunched by the pocket dynamite! Tossed up, on off, Warner dances down the track. He does not reach the pitch of the ball but goes through with the shot. The result? Well, one of the spectators behind long on gets some catching practice.

Shorter, slower, on off. Smith looks to push it towards the off side as he backs away but ends up hitting it back to the bowler.

Flatter, quicker, on off. Warner cuts it straight to the point fielder and gets a quick single. The fielder there fires in a throw at the bowler's end but Warner is safe.

Fuller, on off, Warner punches it aerially just short of the cover fielder in the ring.

Shorter, on off. Smith pushes it to long off for a single.

WIDE! Mohammad Hafeez delivers this down the leg side. Smith leaves it alone. Wide called.

Flatter, shorter, on the pads. Warner nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Fuller on off. Warner backs away and hits this aerially towards long off. The fielder fumbles and the batters take a couple.

NO BALL AND SIX! Oh boy, what has happened there? The ball slips out of Hafeez' hand. It lands near him and bounces twice before reaching the batter. Warner comes down the track and heaves it way over the mid-wicket fence. It is not a dead ball and the umpire raises his arms to signal six. It is called a no ball as the ball bounced more than once. Free Hit loading...

Change! Mohammad Hafeez comes on now. Spin from both ends then.

Shorter, flatter, on off. Smith cuts it towards the point region. The fielder does well and stops it with a dive.

FOUR! Edged and a boundary! Smith will take it. Shorter ball, outside off. He rocks back to cut it away but gets the thick outside edge. The ball runs to the third man fence.

Fuller, loopy delivery on off. Steven Smith looks to paddle-sweep but gets it away from the bottom part of his blade.

Quicker, on the pads. Warner works it to the on side for a single.

Steven Smith walks out to bat now. The situation is quite tailor-made for him at the moment. He just needs to hang in there and build a stand with Warner.

OUT! TAKEN! A leggie does the trick! Tossed up, on off. Marsh looks to slog-sweep but gets the top edge. The ball goes high in the air towards deep square leg. Asif Ali runs in from the fence and keeps his eyes on the ball to take a good catch. The dangerous-looking Marsh has gone but he has given Australia some much-needed momentum in this chase.

Quicker, flatter, outside off. Marsh cuts it straight to the point fielder.

Change! Time for some leg spin as Shadab Khan comes on.

Very full and on middle, Marsh bunts it down towards mid on. The fielder is quite deep and it's an easy run. At the end of the Powerplay, Australia are 52/1, needing 125 more off 84 balls.

Good length on off, Marsh stays back and plays it down to point.

Fractionally short in length and on middle, Warner hangs on the back foot and deflects it down to third man by using the pace of the bowler. They cross for a run.

Lands it on a length and outside off, Marsh taps it down in front of backward point for one. 50 comes up for Australia.

FOUR! Mitchell Marsh is showing great attacking instinct. Short in length and around middle, at 85 mph, Marsh rides the bounce and pulls it powerfully behind square leg for a boundary.

Hasan starts from 'round the wicket and delivers a full ball at 74 mph on middle, Warner helps it towards short fine leg for a run.

Change. Hasan Ali comes on now.

Fullish and on middle, Warner clears his front leg and helps it softly towards square leg off the inside edge. A single is taken. 14 from this over.

Slower one, on a length and around off at 83 mph, Marsh stays back and pushes it gently to mid on for a run.

Haris Rauf follows the batsman down the leg side with a 93 mph length ball, Warner nudges it in the gap at mid-wicket for one.

Shortish and around off, Marsh punches it to covers where Shoaib Malik makes a fine diving stop. Still, a single is pinched.

FOUR! Guided away! The momentum is shifting. A 90 mph delivery, on a length and outside off, Marsh pushes inside the line and looks to guide it down towards third man. It takes the outer half of the bat but Marsh was always in control. The ball scoots away to the fence, beating the dive from the fielder in the deep.

SIX! Mitchell Marsh is the man in form for Australia. He has been scoring big runs for them in the past few months, batting at number 3. Back of a length, around off at 89 mph, Marsh picks it early and smokes it over mid-wicket for a biggie.

Will Afridi get one more over here? Nope, here comes Haris Rauf.

Fuller and on middle, Marsh clips it through mid-wicket and calls for two. He will only get a single. 17 from the over and Australia have got some sort of a start.

Flatter one, on middle, helped in front of square leg for a run.

FOUR! David Warner is on fire, he is on the attack. Tossed up, full and around off, Warner goes down and across before heaving it behind square leg for a boundary.

FOUR! Warner is getting into his zone. Imad Wasim drags his length short and bowls it around leg, Warner steps back to make room and whacks it through cover-point for a boundary. David stayed still and that was the key.

SIX! This one has been dismissed by Warner. Imad Wasim delivers it flat and short around off, Warner stays on the back foot and launches it over mid-wicket for a maximum. Australia will have to target one bowler in the Powerplay and Imad possibly is the weaker link.

Flighted and around leg, Marsh tries to flick but gets a leading edge. It dribbles towards mid off for a single.

Fires it in, very full and on middle, searching for the blackhole, Warner gets his bat down in time to dig it out. Another excellent over by Shaheen!

Around off, on a length, Marsh taps it down to point and hurries to the other end. Shadab has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

Almost drags it on! Shaheen serves it on a length around off at 92 mph, Marsh stays back to push at it but gets an inside edge. It beats the stumps and goes to short fine leg. Haris Rauf is present there and dives across to his right to stop the racing ball. Great energy.

FOUR! Smashed away! Shaheen pitches it up and around off, the pace is right up there, Marsh walks forward a bit and drills it through the gap between mid off and extra cover.

DOT! Marsh swings his bat but misses. Clever deception from Shaheen. A half-tracker without any pace, around off, Mitchell tries to pull but fails to connect.

Very full and on middle, it's speared in by Shaheen, Warner bunts it down to wide mid on and crosses for a quick run. Called a no ball as Shaheen has overstepped the line. Free Hit loading...

Back of a length, around off, Warner nails his back foot punch but finds the cover fielder.

Fired on the pads. Marsh works it wide of short fine leg. Hasan Ali chases it and slides to stop it. Two taken. A good tidy over by Imad Wasim.

Flatter ball, on off. Warner reverse-sweeps it well. But the man at short third man dives and keeps it to one.

Shorter ball, on off. Marsh backs away and chops it to covers. He takes off for a single and the fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end.

Slider on the pads. Mitchell Marsh blocks it out.

Darted on the pads. Warner works it past square leg and takes a run.

Flatter ball, outside off. Warner cuts it towards point.

Who will bowl from the other end? Imad Wasim it is.

On a length around middle, Marsh defends it back from the crease. What a stupendous first over to kickstart the chase!

Beaten all ends up! Goodness, gracious. Unplayable. This place is sizzling. Outrageous bowling. Shaheen pitches it on a length around off and gets it to move around, Marsh stays put inside the crease, pushes inside the line and misses. That almost kissed the inside edge of his blade.

Review time! Boy, plenty of drama in the first over itself. It is a combined review for LBW and run out. Player review for the first. Umpire review for the second. It is not a run out as Marsh is inside the crease. Now, over to the LBW appeal. No bat on that. UMPIRE'S CALL ON IMPACT!

Huge shout for an lbw first and then for a run out too! Shaheen Afridi is running and appealing, he has almost reached square leg, turns and sees that the finger has stayed down. A corker of a delivery, a toe-crusher around leg, Marsh is beaten by the excessive pace and is hit flush on the left boot. The ball deflects to backward point and Marsh comes out of the crease, looking for a run. He is sent back and the fielder has scored a direct hit at the striker's end. Pakistan opt for the review for an lbw and the umpires also want to check for the run out. A combined referral to keep the third umpire busy. First, he checks for the run out and finds that Marsh is safely in. Now, it's the turn of the Ball Tracker and it shows that the ball would have clipped the leg stump and the impact was also with the umpire's call. Plenty of drama on one ball. Phew!

Mitchell Marsh walks out to bat.

OUT! LBW! A perfect start for Pakistan! Shaheen Afridi has done it again. What a bowler, what a champion bowler! He brings his left-arm angle into play and deceives the batsman with the inward movement. Full and around off, at a fiery pace of 92 mph. The ball hits the deck and nips back in. Finch goes nowhere with his footwork as he tries to block. The ball raps him on the pads, they appeal and the finger goes up immediately. Finch walks even without thinking about the referral. That was dead plumb.

Australia are away! Angles in a 140 kph length ball on off, Warner stays back and taps it down to mid-wicket for a single.

Brilliant start from Shaheen Afridi! Right on the button. On a length and outside off, nipping away after landing, Warner is glued on the back foot as he feels for the delivery. Gets beaten on the outside edge.

Just one run to end! PAKISTAN END ON 176/4! This too was in the slot though. Fuller and outside off, Zaman probably looked to hit it too hard, it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for a single. 15 from the over to end proceedings!

SIX! BANG! That is out of here! Fifty for Zaman, off just 31 balls! We say it again, what a time to come to form! There were questions about him not performing but he has come to Pakistan's rescue at the big stage. Another brilliant shot. This one too is right in the slot. On middle, Zaman clears his front leg and heaves it over the mid-wicket fence. Can he hit 3 in 3, can he bring 180 up?

SIX! What a hit! What a hit that is! That came off the bat ever so sweetly. Really not sure about why Starc went full here. He has been bowling it on a length initially in this over which has not been easy to hit but this time he goes really full and on middle, Zaman lifts it high and over the wide long on fence for a biggie.

A good short one now! On middle, Hafeez is hurried into the pull shot, it goes more off the gloves towards fine leg for one.

Mohammad Hafeez is the new batter.

OUT! TIMBER! Australia finishing strongly here. Just the 4 runs from the last 8 balls. Shoaib Malik fails to make an impact in this game. Once again Starc bangs it on a length at 84 mph from 'round the wicket. Shoaib Malik looks to pull but this one does not bounce as much as he expected it to. He misses and the stumps are rearranged.

Into the pitch this time by Starc! Not easy to hit those. Zaman mistimes it down to long on for one. Singles won't harm the Aussies.

Just the one to end! What an over by Cummins. Only three from the 19th. Australia needed this. Once again Pat varies his pace and also length. Bangs it short and on the body, a slower one. Zaman looks to pull but misses. It hits him near the helmet and rolls beside the wicket. A leg bye is taken. Can Starc now bowl a brilliant final over?

Yet another dot! Outstanding from Cummins. He is varying his pace brilliantly. Length now, the seam-up ball, outside off. Zaman is late in the slash. He misses again.

Another swing and another miss! Dots are precious right now. A good slower bumper, angling away from off. Zaman looks to pull early and misses.

This is an outstanding over so far! Two from the first three balls. Outside off, this is chopped towards point for one.

PUT DOWN! Steven Smith is the one who has put down a catch that he would take 9 out of 10 times. Big, big miss. Australia could have easily had two in two. Another slower one, wide outside off. Zaman looks to go over long off. He too does not get the timing right. It goes towards Smith who runs in but does not hang on. A single is taken.

Shoaib Malik is the new batter.

OUT! CAUGHT! The crowd has been silenced! Cummins gets rid of the dangerous Asif on the very first ball. Good stuff from the pacer. Goes full and wide outside off. A slower one. Asif looks to drag it over the long on fence but is a touch early in the stroke. It goes off the toe-end and Smith makes no mistake there in the deep. This is a crucial wicket, could stop Pakistan from getting to 180.

Two to end! So despite a dot on the first ball and a wicket on the second, 15 runs came from this over. This time Starc nails the yorker, it is jammed down to long on. By the time the fielder runs in and fields it, the batsmen take two.

Pat Cummins (3-0-28-0) will bowl the penultimate over.

WIDE! Starc has lost his line and length here! Bowls a full toss again but down the leg side. Zaman swings but misses.

FOUR! That is powered! Zaman is in top gear now! Almost took the umpire along. Starc bowls a full toss on middle, this is hammered back towards Starc, he sticks his left hand out but the ball passes him in a flash. The umpire does well to get down in time and it goes to the fence.

Two! 150 up for Pakistan. Fuller but this time on the leg pole, this is whipped through mid-wicket. Maxwell, in the deep, runs to his left and keeps it down to two.

SIX! That is colossal! What a game for Zaman to come into form. That is not an easy shot he has just played there. Yes, Starc missed his length, it is full but not perfectly into the slot. Zaman though is so deep inside his crease that it allows him to get under it. After that, Fakhar shows some great bat speed as he dismisses it behind the bowler for a maximum at long on.

Right. The stage is set for someone like Asif Ali to bat now. Will he get a promotion? Yup, here he is.

OUT! TAKEN! Starc strikes! A welcome wicket for the Aussies. These two were really taking Pakistan in pole position. Nevertheless, end of a brilliant knock from Rizwan. Would have loved to be there till the end but he has probably done his job. Starc goes full and wide outside off again. This is really full, difficult to get under those. Rizwan looks to go over mid off but it goes off the toe end. A simple catch to Smith there inside the ring.

Excellent bowling! Rizwan makes room and Starc bowls a yorker, just inside the tramline outside off. Rizwan fails to reach it.

Adam Zampa has bowled out. Mitchell Starc (2-0-8-0) is back now.

21 from that Hazlewood over and he goes for one less than a fifty in his 4. Not a good day for him. Rizwan opts to come down the track, Josh Hazlewood shortens his length. This is hit down to long off for one.

SIX! That is massive! What a shot again from Rizwan. Takes the full toll of the freebie. This though is right in the slot. Full and on middle, Rizwan makes excellent use of his wrists and whips it high and over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. The crowd is loving every bit of this stupendous batting.

NO BALL AND FOUR! That is the second time it has happened in the game so far. Josh Hazlewood is feeling the pressure. He has been so good before this game but the pressure of the semi-final is getting to him. This is a high full toss, on middle and Rizwan has pulled it over the fielder inside the ring at mid-wicket, for a boundary. Free Hit to follow...

Well bowled! A yorker outside off, Zaman jams it towards covers for one. Zaman is quite deep in his crease and despite that, this hit the bottom of the blade.

Two more! Hazlewood goes full and on middle, this is whipped through mid-wicket. It is in the gap and results in a couple of runs.

SIX! That is muscled! Why try to drag it when you can just tonk it over the fence on the off side. Josh Hazlewood misses his length, he goes full and outside off. This is powered over the long off fence for a biggie.

Goes full and goes wide outside off. Zaman looks to play the sweep, he tries to drag it from way outside off. Misses.

Change. Josh Hazlewood (3-0-28-0) to bowl out.

Just the one which means 5 from the over. End of an outstanding spell by Zampa. 4-0-22-1 for him. Zaman steps out but does not get to the pitch of the ball. He ends up playing towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

A dot now! Gold at this stage! Slows it up and bowls it wide outside off. Zaman looks to cut but under-edges it towards the keeper.

Excellent fielding there! Cummins does brilliantly to keep it down to one! Rizwan shuffles across and this is fired on the pads. Rizwan sweeps it behind square on the leg side. Cummins runs to his right, slides and keeps it down to one. The 50-run stand comes up.

Three balls, just the three runs! On middle, Fakhar drags his attempted slog-sweep to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Does not find the gap and that is a brilliant dive in the end! Steps out and Zampa bowls it wide, it is slapped towards cover and Rizwan goes for the run. The throw is at the bowler's end but Rizwan dives in.

We have seen Zampa go full most of the time today and does so again, almost a yorker length. It is jammed through covers for one.

Change. Adam Zampa (3-0-17-1) to bowl out here. This could be a big over for Pakistan.

Excellently nudged and brilliant running! Once again, smart batting. 11 from this one. back-to-back good overs for Pakistan. Another slower one, banged into the wicket. Rizwan works it towards mid-wicket with soft hands, calls for two and gets two. 11 from this over, 25 in the last two. 5 more overs to go, can Pakistan reach 170?

Rizwan misses out! He probably tried to hit it too hard! A full toss outside off, Rizwan looks to go over covers. Does not move his feet, it goes off the inside edge and the keeper collects it behind on one bounce.

Another one! 9 runs from the over with two balls to go. A slower one again, Zaman swings hard, it goes more off the inner half through square leg for one.

Just the one again! Another slower one. Rizwan pushes it to covers and gets to the other end.

Just the single from it! A short slower bumper. Zaman pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for one. Does not get on top of the bounce. Cummins had really banged it short.

NO BALL AND FOUR! That is so, so clever from Zaman! Really nicely played by the left-hander. He might have been taken by surprise there. It comes out wrong from Cummins' hand as it is a high full toss outside off. Zaman keeps his shape and just guides it past short third man for a boundary. Also, a Free Hit coming up.

A good slower one, Rizwan pushes it through covers for one. Zaman now will be hitting to the shorter side so it is not a bad idea to give him the strike.

Change. Pat Cummins (2-0-17-0) is back on.

FIFTY! Rizwan could have left that for a wide but reaches out for it as it is well outside off. Jams it through point for one. With that single, he gets to his fifty off 41 balls. Another excellent knock. What a player! He wasn't feeling well for the last few days but has risen to the occasion in this big game. His 10th half-century this year, in addition to a hundred and third in the tournament. Can he finish the innings on a high for Pakistan?

SIX! That has been cracked! What a sound of ball meeting the bat! Also, it's hit to the shorter side of the ground. Very clever from Rizwan. He shuffles across, it is a slower one and in the slot. Rizwan heaves it well over the mid-wicket fence. 13 from the over now with a ball to go. 100 up.

Zaman misses out! He was maybe taken by surprise! A full toss on the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Well bowled! Josh Hazlewood drags his length back and bowls it on middle, Zaman looks to tuck it on the leg side but it hits the splice and goes back to the bowler.

FOUR! Into the gap she goes and to the boundary! Welcome, welcome boundary for Pakistan. Zaman bags his first and Pakistan will hope this gets him going. Fuller and on middle, Zaman clears his front leg and lifts it over mid-wicket.

WIDE! This one does not come out right! A slower one but well outside off. Left alone.

Change. Josh Hazlewood is back on. He went for 14 in his first two overs.

Whipped away but only one! A slower one, angling into the pads, Rizwan plays it towards fine leg and gets to the other end. Really finding it difficult to hit the boundaries here.

Appeal for an lbw, it's not entertained. Starc spears in a heavy full ball around middle and leg, Fakhar Zaman looks to flick it but misses. The ball hits him on the back leg and Starc appeals. Possibly missing the leg stump. Only 3 from the over.

Fuller this time by Starc. Outside off, Rizwan drives it without timing to mid off for a single.

The physio is out to have a look. The mandatory concussion test will take place. Rizwan did seem a little rattled.

Ouch, that's nasty! Short and pacy delivery angling into the body at 144 kph, Rizwan looks to pull but misses and gets hit on the grille of his helmet.

Shorter length, outside off. Fakhar cuts it to the deep point region for a single.

A brilliant yorker, right on the mark. All that Zaman can do is block it out.

Back of a length, angling across off. Mohammad Rizwan pulls it to deep square leg for one.

Mitchell Starc is back on! He has three overs left. His three overs can be crucial, could very well decide which side will be happier at the break.

Fuller in length, nicely tossed up, Rizwan dances down the track and smashes it to long off for just a single. 14 from the over and Pakistan would be feeling a lot better.

Fuller and quicker, on the pads. Rizwan looks to sweep but misses. Gets hit on the pads but no damage is done.

FOUR BYES! Turn for Adam Zampa but it has cost his team! Tossed up, wide outside off. The ball turns away after landing on the footmarks and Rizwan misses his attempted booming drive. Wade too is not able to gather it and the ball runs behind for a boundary.

SIX! There she goes! What an incredible shot that is! Zampa fires a full one around middle, right in the slot for Mohammad Rizwan, who goes down on one knee and then deposits it way over the mid-wicket fence. 1000 T20I runs for Rizwan in a calendar year - he is the first player to do so!

Nicely tossed up, Zampa keeps it wide outside off. Rizwan sweeps it to the left of deep mid-wicket. Two taken.

Tossed up, wide outside off. Fakhar Zaman clubs it to the right of long on. The fielder gets across and keeps it to one.

Shorter length, Rizwan pushes it to the on side and scampers through for a couple.

Fuller on middle and Rizwan pushes it just wide of Maxwell aerially. But no damage done in the end.

Fuller, Fakhar skips down the track and pushes it to long on for a single.

Shout for a caught behind! Fuller and down the leg side. Fakhar looks to nudge it away but misses. The ball goes to Wade behind the stumps. They appeal but the umpire doesn't respond. Maybe, that clipped some part of Fakhar's pads.

Tossed up, around off. Mohammad Rizwan gets low and sweeps it to deep square leg for one.

Flatter ball, angling across off. Rizwan looks to run it down to third man but gets no bat on it. That was very close from kissing the outside edge.

DRINKS! That wicket just before the break probably means Australia are just ahead in the game! While Pakistan were going along nicely, they were not scoring very freely. They would have probably thought of stepping up the scoring ante after the break but that wicket means they will have to delay the launch. Australia, on the other hand, will try and continue to squeeze and also take more wickets. The next few overs are going to decide the momentum of this innings.

OUT! TAKEN! The leggie does it and finally, the stand between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan is broken! The last few overs were really tidy and something had to happen. Azam takes Zampa on but has to walk back to the hut. This is tossed up, around off. Babar Azam slog-sweeps but does not middle it cleanly. The ball goes towards wide long on. David Warner is stationed there and this time, he takes an easy catch over his head. He is all pumped up, it's a big wicket for Australia.

Shorter, flatter, around off. Babar cuts it to point. Dot ball.

Flatter, on the stumps. Rizwan skips down the track and looks to go big. But fails to get any timing. The ball rolls down to long on for one.

Fuller and quicker in the air from Zampa, on middle. Babar just manages to hit it to long on for a single.

Flatter ball, around off. Punched to covers for nothing.

WIDE! Tossed up, way outside off. Azam leaves it alone. Wide called.

Darted on the pads. Babar Azam looks to go back and pull but gets hit on the pads. Zampa turns to appeal but then pulls out.

Change! Finch is rotating his bowlers. Adam Zampa is back into the attack again.

Shorter length, on middle. Babar gets back and pushes it to long on for a single. 6 from the over!

Fuller, this time on the pads. Rizwan nudges it to deep square leg for another single.

Flatter, on the stumps, Babar works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Short and wide outside off. Rizwan cuts it to sweeper cover for a single.

Flatter ball, around off. Played with soft hands towards deep mid-wicket. The man from the fence runs in and keeps it to one.

Shorter ball, on off. Rizwan pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Full toss, on the pads, Rizwan flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

On a length, on middle. Babar works it towards deep square leg and gets a single.

WIDE! Short and down the leg side. Babar leaves it alone. Wide called.

Full ball, on off. Babar crunches the drive towards sweeper cover for a couple.

Marsh goes 'round the wicket and fires in a yorker on off. Babar digs it out towards the off side.

FOUR! Sublime stroke! Slower ball, on a length around off. Babar Azam uses his wrists and works it wonderfully in the gap on the leg side. The ball goes between long on and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Length ball, on off. Azam drives it to the right of sweeper cover. The throw comes in but it is a weak one and the batters get the second run with ease.

Change! Mitchell Marsh now comes on. He along with Maxwell and Stoinis will play the part of the 5th bowler. Pakistan would try and take advantage of that.

Shorter length by Zampa as Babar skips down the track and pushes it off the front foot towards covers for a single. Good tidy over by Zampa.

DOT BALL! Fuller from Zampa on middle. Babar looks to force it away but gets no timing on that one.

Fuller again, on off. Rizwan pushes it to long on for a single.

Fuller and quicker from Zampa. Rizwan plays it back to the bowler.

Loopy ball, on off. Azam works it to long on for one.

Loopy ball, around off. Rizwan taps it to short third man for one.

Change! Time for some leg spin now as Adam Zampa comes on. He is the wicket-taker for the Aussies. Can he get one?

DROPPED! Another tough chance and it would have been a stunner from Adam Zampa. Still, he did a great job to stop the ball. Cummins delivers it short and it's angling down the leg side, Rizwan swipes it aerially to fine leg where Zampa is stationed. The ball is dipping in front of him and he puts in a forward dive but fails to grab it inches above the surface. Top effort. The batsmen take a run and at the end of the Powerplay, Pakistan are 47 for zero.

Shaping back into the batsman from a shortish length around off, Rizwan is cramped for room and ends up pushing it back to the bowler.

Full and on middle, worked on the leg side but not in the gap.

FOUR! Unlucky for Glenn Maxwell there, he did the hard work of reaching the ball with a dive but failed to stop it cleanly. Cummins serves a friendly full toss on middle, Rizwan whips it to deep square leg. Maxwell sprints across to his right, dives and stops the ball with his right hand but then loses control and it slips out to find the fence.

Fuller and around off, Azam drills it through extra cover and Warner gives the chase from mid off. He cuts it off in the deep and they take three runs.

Drifting down the leg side, Rizwan bends his back knee and sweeps it down to fine leg for a run.

Pat Cummins will bowl the final over of the Powerplay.

Shortish and outside off, Babar flashes his bat at it and gets it away off the outer half to short third man. Dot. Apart from a six, it still was a decent over by Josh Hazlewood.

Very full and around off, Rizwan drives it towards mid off and scampers across to the other end.

Swing and a miss! Slightly short and around off, Rizwan once again tries to deposit it over square leg with his cross-batted shot but fails to connect.

On a length and around off, Babar plays a mistimed shot towards mid off and sets off for a run. David Warner makes a diving stop inside the ring.

Short in length, outside off and it's carrying some extra bounce, Rizwan taps it down towards short third man and takes a single.

SIX! High and handsome! This will make Mohammad Rizwan feel a lot better. He loves playing in that direction of the field. This one is delivered on a length, Rizwan uses the angle of the bowler and heaves it over square leg for a maximum.

Another change. Finch is desperate for the first wicket. Josh Hazlewood is back on. He went for 5 in his first over.

Shortish and around off, Babar strokes it to covers and looks for a run. This time Rizwan sends him back and the fielder misses his shy at the striker's end. Could have been close. End of an ordinary first over by Pat Cummins.

Length ball on off, at 145 kph, Babar stays back and plays it down to short mid-wicket. Rizwan wants a run but is sent back. A loud scream of no from the Pakistan skipper. Someone needs to calm down Mohammad Rizwan at the moment.

Cummins gets away with a bad ball here. Short and down the leg side, Rizwan only manages to fetch a single by pulling it down to fine leg.

Again the line is straight from Pat, Babar wrists it behind square leg and picks up a single.

FOUR! Well played! Babar looks so elegant. Cummins is slightly short and slightly straight, Babar turns inside the crease and glances it wide of short fine leg for a boundary.

Fractionally short and around off at 86 mph, Rizwan tries to pull but is early into the shot. It takes the inner edge and deflects off his thigh pad to backward point. They cross.

Wide! Sliding down the leg side, a length ball, Rizwan swings his bat at it but fails to connect.

Pat Cummins comes on now.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Flighted delivery, full and down the leg side, Babar goes down and swipes it behind square leg, this time it's in the gap and a boundary results. 10 from Maxwell's first over.

Flatter and shorter on middle, pulled across the line but straight to square leg.

Again Rizwan is early to skip down the track, he is deceived in flight but does well eventually to push it towards cover-point for a run.

DROPPED AND FOUR! That would have been a spectacular catch by David Warner. A very tough chance but once he reached there, he should have taken it. Flighted delivery, full and around off, Mohammad Rizwan is very anxious to get going, dances down the track for a big shot but miscues it aerially behind mid off. Warner runs back, keeps his eyes on the ball and then manages to have both his hands around it as well with a dive. However, it slips out of his grasp as he lands and then rolls away to the fence. Full marks for the effort.

Tossed up and around middle, Babar flicks it in front of square leg and takes a single.

Fuller and on middle, skidding straight on, Babar tries to flick but gets a leading edge towards covers.

Change. Time for some spin as Glenn Maxwell is set to roll his arm over.

Josh pitches it up and around off, Rizwan drives it off his front foot to mid off. A fine first over by Hazlewood apart from a boundary ball.

On a length and close to off, Rizwan pushes it with an angled bat to point and again looks for a run. Babar is firm in sending him back.

Back of a length, around off, Rizwan is a bit fidgety at the crease, tries to dab it down but gets an under-edge. It rolls behind towards the keeper. Rizwan wants a run but is sent back. A lot of nervous energy there.

This time a length ball is angled into the batter, Babar works it to the right of mid on and rushes across to the other end for a run. Smart batting.

FOUR! Fine shot! Josh Hazlewood is a little too full and wide outside off, Babar Azam gets the chance to show his class here. He presses forward, allows the ball to swing and then crunches his drive through covers for a glorious boundary.

Right on the money, as usual. Josh Hazlewood hurls across a length ball on off, Babar brings down a straight bat in defense.

Josh Hazlewood runs in from the other end. Chris Woakes got early success in the game against New Zealand. Given that Josh Hazlewood bowls similar lines and lengths, Finch would expect him to deliver big time.

Swing and a miss! Better, much better line from Starc. Serves it on a length and just outside off, some visible inward movement again, Rizwan sticks back and tries to slash it through point but misses. A mixed bag first over by Mitch!

Starc is yet to get his line right here. Delivers another one on middle and leg, it's clipped behind square leg for a run.

FOUR! Wrong line from Starc and it has been duly punished by Babar Azam. An inswinger attempted by the bowler but the line starts from around leg and it swings down further, Babar gets enough bat behind it to send it to the fine leg fence. Lovely use of the pace.

Width on offer outside off, slightly short in length, Babar slaps it through the line but picks the cover-point fielder.

Better line. Starc delivers it on a length around middle, shaping in, Babar Azam works it off his pads but finds the square leg fielder.

Pakistan are away with an extra! Starc speeds in and lands it on a length outside off, there is a nice inward movement as Rizwan flashes his bat at it. He fails to get any connection and the ball curls to the left of the keeper. Wade gets some gloves behind it and the batsmen cross for a bye.

Done with the pre-match formalities! Finch leads his team out on the field. The star batters of Pakistan, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, stride out to bat. Loud cheers from the crowd as they walk out. Mitchell Starc will start with the ball. But before that, Australians take the knee while the Pakistan players have their hands on their hearts to support the Black Lives Matter movement. Here we go. All ready to rumble...

Before the match, both the teams along with the match officials walk out in the middle for the national anthems. Plenty of green in the crowd and it will be interesting how big of a 'home' advantage Pakistan have here. First, the anthem of Australia will be played followed by that of Pakistan.

A quick interview with Mohammad Hafeez. He says that as a team they are mentally and physically ready for this match. Adds that this team has great potential and it is very special to see the players respond to different situations. Shares that they are very relaxed and very confident leading into this clash. Confesses that the expectations are always very high when they play in an ICC tournament and they wish to cross these two hurdles and lift the trophy.

Babar Azam, the skipper of Pakistan, says that they will try to put runs on the board and then defend it. Adds that it is an honour for him to lead such a talented bunch of players. Says that they have played quite a bit of cricket in the UAE and they will try to make good use of that experience. Informs that they are playing the same side.

Aaron Finch, the captain of Australia, says that he feels it is a good wicket and it won't change a lot. Adds everyone is quite relaxed, there will be nerves once they step on the field but they are up for it. Mentions that the Powerplay overs have played a huge part and both teams have got firepower in their bowling. Informs that they are unchanged.

Pakistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi.

Australia (Unchanged Playing XI) - Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

Toss - Babar Azam and Aaron Finch are in the middle. The former flips the coin, Finch calls correctly and AUSTRALIA ELECT TO FIELD!

Stat alert - Dubai has favoured the chasing teams in this edition of the T20 World Cup. In the 11 games played at this venue so far, only once a team has successfully defended the total. If we zoom in more, no team has defended a total in night games. Dew has played a major role here and hence the toss is going to be critical.

Mitchell Starc is down for a chat. The speedster says that he has improved throughout the tournament and adds that he did not have a lot of smoothness leading up to the competition so he is happy to get back in the groove. Adds that they had a couple of days off before this game and they had good practice sessions. Says that while it is important to pay attention to the batters of Pakistan, they also need to focus on their own strengths as a bowling attack.

Another cracker of the game coming our way. With the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins all in one game, be assured to see some fiery pace bowling coming at the batters and that should be a mouth-watering phenomenon to witness. Will it be Australia locking horns with New Zealand in the final? Or will it be Pakistan continuing their dominance and meeting the Kiwis on Sunday? We will find out in due course of time.

Pakistan have been a team to beat in this World Cup. Right from their first game against the arch-rivals, India, they were on the money. Since then, they have gone from strength to strength and it has been hard to find a weak spot in their team so far. Their openers have been prolific but the biggest positive for them in their last game against Scotland was the performance of their middle order. Senior players like Hafeez and Malik have contributed when needed and they have a fearsome finisher in the form of Asif Ali. Their bowling traditionally being their stronger suit has been top-notch as well and we can expect another strong performance by this well-oiled Pakistan unit.

Coming into this tournament, Australia had a poor run to get over. They lost their series against West Indies and also against Bangladesh. But, Australia have been right on top in this tournament - a complete team performance one might say. David Warner and Aaron Finch have assured Australia a perfect start, and with Mitchell Marsh coming back into action, the middle order hasn’t really got much to do. The Aussie speedsters have been consistent throughout the tournament and their main spinner, Adam Zampa, has been in great form too. They look very well settled and pretty solid. Will we see Finch and his men move a step closer to lifting the trophy that has eluded Australia till now?

It is time for Australia and Pakistan to lock horns in this second semi-final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Hello and a very warm welcome to our coverage. This is an ICC tournament and Pakistan have another streak to break in this game. Australia have won all their ICC knockout games against Pakistan. But streaks are meant to be broken as Pakistan showed in their first game of the tournament against India by breaking the much more hyped streak comfortably. Furthermore, Pakistan have won their last 16 T20Is in UAE and this is one streak they would like to continue. Either way, if both teams stay true to their billing tonight, we are in for another evening of exciting action.

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