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It's Aussies vs India in semis

Last Updated 20 March 2015, 21:58 IST

Australia defeated Pakistan by six wickets on Friday to set up a World Cup semifinal with defending champions India in Sydney on Thursday.

Pakistan, the 1992 champions, collapsed to 213 after skipper Misbah-ul-Haq won the toss and opted to bat on a good Adelaide Oval pitch.

Recalled Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood took four for 35 in an innings where Haris Sohail top-scored with 41 and put on 73 for the third wicket with Misbah (34).

But a spirited Pakistan reduced Australia to 59 for three, with left-armer Wahab Riaz (two for 54) capturing the prize wicket of captain Michael Clarke for just eight in a superb spell of fast bowling.

With Australia at 83 for three, Rahat Ali dropped a routine catch at fine leg after all-rounder Shane Watson, then on four, top-edged a bouncer by Riaz.

Steven Smith’s composed 65 steadied Australia before Watson, 64 not out, and Glenn Maxwell, also dropped off the luckless Riaz on his way to an unbeaten 44, saw the tournament co-hosts to a six-wicket win in the 34th over.

“It was a close game. In the end our bowlers did a great job and we were strong in the field,” said Clarke.

Pakistan’s defeat meant this match became the final one-day international for both 40-year-old Misbah and fellow veteran Shahid Afridi, who bowed out with a typical quickfire 23.

“It is disappointing...but Australia deserve it,” said Misbah. Turning to Riaz, he said: “I have never seen a bowler bowl like that. If that catch had been taken, who knows what could have happened?”

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(Published 20 March 2015, 20:49 IST)

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