Australia and Pakistan have won two and lost two matches each but the former is ahead thanks to a better net run rate.
Australia produced an all-round show in Bengaluru to get the better of Pakistan in their fourth match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The Pat Cummins-led side has left behind the bitter memories of a poor start to their campaign.
On a batting paradise in Bengaluru, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh dazzled with sparkling centuries. The pair set a new Australia record for the best opening partnership at the ODI World Cups by adding 259 runs.
Warner scored 163 while Marsh made 121. However, Australia lost their next eight wickets for 108 runs as Pakistan prevented them from posting a 400-plus total which looked a real possibility at one stage.
Pakistan though made a fine start with their openers adding 134 runs before Australia stormed back with regular strikes. Pakistan eventually were bowled out for 305 in 45.3 overs.
ICC Cricket World Cup Points Table Update
The top-four teams at the end of the round-robin stage will qualify for the semi-finals. And with their second win on the trot, Australia have now taken their points tally to four to draw level with Pakistan.
However, the Pat Cummins-led side has a better net run-rate and hence have swapped places with Babar Azam’s men.
Australia are now at the fourth spot on the world cup points table that is currently being led by New Zealand who have won all their four matches.
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New Zealand and India are the only two teams who are yet to lose a game. Both the sides have eight points each but the Kiwis have the top spot thanks to a better run-rate than India whom they face next in Dharamsala this Sunday,
Sri Lanka, who have lost all their three matches, are the only team to have not won a single game so far. They are currently at the last position in the 10-team competition.
Sri Lanka will though have a chance to open their account when they take on the Netherlands who will be high on confidence after knocking over South Africa in their previous fixture.
Defending champions England are sixth followed by Bangladesh at 7th, the Netherlands at 8th and Afghanistan at 9th.
