Warner stars as Australia romp Pakistan

Australia's David Warner celebrates his century against Pakistan at Taunton.

Disciplined show by the bowlers after David Warner’s sensational century guided Australia to a thrilling 41 run victory over Pakistan in the World Cup match at Taunton. Chasing 308, Pakistan were bowled out for 266 as Australia recorded their third victory of the tournament. For Australia, Pat Cummins finished with 3/33 while Mitchell Starc and Kane Richardson took two wickets each.

Earlier, Mohammad Amir’s career-best 5/30 helped Pakistan bowl out Australia for 307.

Riding on a superb century by David Warner, Australia were at one point of time looking to cross the 350-run mark, but late strikes by Amir restricted the defending champions from going big. Warner scored 117 while Aaron Finch made 82.

Pakistan’s decision to field first didn’t go as planned initially as both Australian openers demolished the opponent’s pace attack and added 146 runs for the first wicket. Amir gave his side the first breakthrough dismissing the Australian captain. Finch, who scored 82 off 84 balls with the help of six boundaries and four sixes, tried smashing Amir but got caught by Mohammad Hafeez at covers in the 23rd over. Steve Smith (10) then fell cheaply. Glenn Maxwell impressed with a fiery cameo hitting 20 off 10 balls taking the score past 200 before being scalped by Shaheen Afridi. Warner who smashed a brilliant century was also removed by Afridi. Shaun Marsh and Alex Carey chipped with 23 and 20 respectively. But Amir ripped through the middle order and tailenders and restricted Australia from posting a huge total.

Pakistan got off to a dismal start as Cummins dealt Pakistan the first blow dismissing opener Fakhar Zaman for a duck in the third over. Babar Azam and Imam ul Haq then tried to lift the side but Nathan Coulter Nile ended Azam’s (30) challenge. Mohammad Hafeez along with Haq then took the score past 100-mark keeping Pakistan afloat. But Cummins struck again to get rid of Haq after his fighting knock of 53. Skipper Aaron Finch then joined the party and dealt fourth blow to Pakistan sending back Hafeez (46). Very soon, Cummins claimed his third victim in the form of Shoaib Malik who gave an easy catch behind the stumps without even opening his account. Asif Ali also could not rescue the side and got dismissed by Kane Richardson after scoring just 5. Athe score fo 200, Richardson struck again to get rid of Hasan Ali after scoring 32. Skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed and Wahab Riaz fought back for Pakistan, but Mitchell Starc struck at the right time to get rid of the latter after 64-run stand. THE STAR

Warner was back to his fluid best at Taunton.

David Warner's 107 off 111 balls was easily the highlight for the Australia, and completed his personal journey of redemption from international outcast back to dominant opening batsman. Trials Afghanistan's Shakib Al Hasan by only 5 runs for the leading run scorer in this World Cup, and it would take a brave punter to bet against him finishing number 1. THE MOMENT

Asif Ali drops Finch when he was on just 33.

Asif Ali had an absolute shocker in the field, but the penultimate moment came when Finch was only on 33, and Australia only 76, was dropped at first slip by Asif Ali. It was a costly mistake, as Finch would combine with Warner for a 146 run stand that proved the difference.

THE FAILURE

Asif Ali was a major culprit of Pakistan's failure in the field.

Pakistan's fielding. It would be hard to single out one player (like, Asif Ali for example) but the general fielding, catching and throwing was abysmal from Pakistan. For a side so talented, they leave so many questions left unanswered by failure to complete the 1 percentage plays.

WHAT NEXT - Australia take on Sri Lanka on Saturday whilst Pakistan play India on Sunday in what will be a must watch match! TONIGHT - India take on New Zealand!