ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is coming from a loss against arch-rivals India whereas the five-time champions Australia are just gaining momentum with their win against Sri Lanka after suffering two consecutive defeats in their first two matches of the cricketing event.
Pakistan and Australia are playing each other today (Friday). Let’s look into the cricketing rivalry between the two sides as both teams have produced brilliant performances and moments over the years in different formats.
Sensational Sarfraz Nawaz (15th March 1979)
Pakistan fast-bowler Sarfraz Nawaz single-handedly ruined Australia’s batting with match-winning figures of 9-86 with the remaining wicket being a run-out — to completely overturn a Test match in Melbourne.
Australia were sailing in their pursuit of 382 to win the game when Sarfraz Nawaz initiated a collapse.
The hosts nosedived from 305-3 to 310 all out, and Sarfraz’s spell on the fourth afternoon read 7 wickets for 1 run from 33 balls as Pakistan stood victorious by 71 runs.
Lillee-Miandad clash (16th November 1981)
Australian speedster Dennis Lillee and Pakistani all-time batting great Javed Miandad nearly came to blows during the Test match in Perth, marking one of the most unsightly incidents on a cricket pitch.
Pakistan were in early trouble at 27-2 while chasing 543 for victory when then captain Miandad came out to bat. During his innings, he collided with Lillee while taking a run. Hot words were exchanged before Lillee kicked Miandad on the pads, to which the captain raised his bat as if to hit the bowler, with umpire Tony Crafter positioned between them.
Lillee was slapped fine and suspended for two ODI matches, but Australian management remained adamant that the bowler had been provoked.
Asif Mujtaba’s six (6th December 1992)
Asif Mujtaba may not have possessed the star power of Miandad during his 66 ODIs for Pakistan, but he will be remembered forever for his last-ball six off Steve Waugh in a tied game.
Chasing 229 to win a tri-series match in Hobart, Pakistan slipped to 197-7 when Rashid Latif departed. However, the left-handed batsman continued to fight with his gritty batting.
Requiring 17 off the final over, Mujtaba dispatched Waugh to almost all corners of the ground. With seven needed on the last ball, he smashed a six to level the score.
Shane Warne’s brilliance (20th June 1999)
The late Shane Warne had an ability for rising to the occasion, and the 1999 World Cup final at Lord’s was one such match when the champion leg-spinner dominated with a spell of 4-33.
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first, but the Australian fast bowlers quickly put the opposition on the back foot with early strikes, before Warne weaved his magic. Warne tore through the Pakistan middle-order, including top scorer Ijaz Ahmed, who was bowled for 22, to dismiss Pakistan for 132 in just 39 overs.
Australia met their target with eight wickets and 29.5 overs to spare, also securing their second World Cup title.
