Australia vs Pakistan, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Quarter-Final 3 Highlights: Josh Hazlewood’s disciplined bowling, Wahab Riaz’s nightmarish spell, Steven Smith’s adhesive innings and more

Australia managed to pull off a victory against Pakistan in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 quarter-final despite being in a tough spot in their chase. They will now take on India in the second semi-final on March 26. Shiamak Unwalla brings some of the highlights of the quarter-final. READ: Australia overcome fiery Wahab Riaz to beat Pakistan by 6 wickets, reach semi-final of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

1. Misbah-ul-Haq drops anchor for the last time: How many times over the last few years have we seen Pakistan two down in less than 10 overs with Misbah having to pull the innings up by the scruff of his neck? Despite all the criticism he has got over his career, the fact remains that Misbah has had to bail the team out more than once — something he did remarkably well. Top 10 bowlers in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

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Against Australia, he again came in with Pakistan 24 for two in 5.1 overs. Unfortunately, he was unable to score his customary 80 not out, but he added a useful 73 with Haris Sohail. Despite getting a massive reprieve while on zero — the ball hit the leg stump but the bail was not dislodged — Misbah was only able to score 34 in what was his final ODI innings. Top 10 batsmen in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

2. Shahid Afridi’s (last?) swansong: Shahid Afridi‘s World Cup record is abysmal to say the least. He has never scored a World Cup 50, and averages less than 20 with the bat. He came out in what proved to be his final ODI innings keen to set the record straight. He hit three fours and a six in his 15-ball 23, but holed out to Aaron Finch off Josh Hazlewood to end his career. Top 10 fielders in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

3. Josh Hazlewood bowls a disciplined spell: Josh Hazlewood has been compared to Glenn McGrath repeatedly in the past for his impeccable line-and-length bowling. The fact that he has a similar bowling action and extracts appreciable bounce only adds to the comparison. Hazlewood once again bowled a disciplined spell, ending with four wickets for 40 in 10 overs. Top 10 fielders in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

4. Wahab Riaz’s nightmarish spell: Wahab Riaz bowled what will long be considered one of the finest spells of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, if not the very best. This despite the fact that he ended with only two wickets, whereas Mitchell Starc, Tim Southee, and Trent Boult have taken five-wicket hauls. Wahab was right on the money from the get-go, dismissing David Warner for 24 in his first over, getting the Australian opener caught at third man. He then bowled a vicious short ball to Michael Clarke which he could only fend off his body to the man at short leg. Top 10 fielders in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

5. Wahab vs Shane Watson: Shane Watson is not the best player of fast bowling in the world. His form has not been outstanding by any means in the World Cup. Wahab knew this, and was quick to exploit it. He greeted Watson with a barrage of furiously quick short balls, and followed up by going up to the batsman and applauding, saying a few words, staring at him, and applauding his teammates mere inches from Watson’s face. There no doubt that Watson was thoroughly unsettled by Wahab’s hostile spell and his mind games. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: SCHEDULE & MATCH DETAILS

6. Steven Smith holds fort: Steven Smith was in inhuman form during the Test series against India in 2014-15. He looked impossible to get out, and has carried on his form to the World Cup as well. In a high-pressure quarter-final with the ball zipping around all over the place, he played an innings of supreme confidence to steer his side close to victory. His 69-ball 65 contained seven boundaries, but it was calming influence that ensured Pakistan’s spirited fight back was not enough to earn them a semi-final slot.

7. Rahat Ali and Sohail Khan kill Pakistan’s dreams: Rahat was spewing fire and brimstone from his end, and had Watson hopping about looking like a lost puppy. Wahab managed to induce the false shot from Watson after peppering him with bouncers, and the ball flew down to fine leg where Rahat Ali made a mess of what was a ridiculously simple catch. The reprieve took a bit of sting out of Wahab, and ensured Australia got a vital life where a wicket could have spelled doom. Australia were 75 for three at that stage, and a fourth wicket would have exposed Glenn Maxwell early.

Even after Smith’s dismissal Pakistan were in with a chance. Maxwell played a wild slog off Wahab while on five, and the ball soared to third man. Sohail did his utmost but was not able to get in position and spilled a tough chance. Maxwell went on to score 44 not out off 29 balls as Australia sailed home.   ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Complete Coverage

(Shiamak Unwalla, a reporter with CricketCountry, is a self-confessed Sci-Fi geek and Cricket fanatic. His Twitter handle is @ShiamakUnwalla)