T20 World Cup: Pakistan crush Scotland, to meet Australia in semis

Pakistan
Pakistan players celebrate a wicket. Photo: AFP

Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik cracked blistering half-centuries as the former World Twenty20 champions eased past Scotland by 72 runs on Sunday to seal top spot in Group 2 and set up a semifinal meeting with Australia.

Azam opted to bat first after winning the toss and led from the front with a 47-ball 66 that contained five boundaries and three sixes before Malik put the Scots to the sword with an 18 -ball unbeaten 54 dotted by six hits over the ropes.

Mohammad Hafeez also joined the party with a 19-ball 31 to help them reach a commanding 189/4 in their 20 overs, with 114 coming off the final eight.The winless Scots had little reward in their final Super 12 stage clash in Sharjah, with spinner Chris Greaves' two wickets - that of Azam and Fakhar Zaman - coming at the cost of 43 runs in his four overs.

Shoaib Malik
Shoaib Malik was in his element. Photo: AFP

Pakistan reduced Scotland to 41/4 with Shadab Khan removing dangerous opener George Munsey for 17 before bowling out Dylan Budge for a duck to lay the foundation for another convincing victory in a tournament where they have been flawless.

Richie Berrington brought up his half-century in the 18th over off Hasan Ali, smashing the paceman for a huge six along the way, but his gutsy 54 not out went in vain as Scotland managed only 117/6 in their 20 overs.

Babar Azam
Babar Azam continued his fine form. Photo: AFP

Pakistan finished the Super 12 stage with five wins out of five while New Zealand finished second to book a clash with England in the semifinals. 

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