Australian captain Pat Cummins has lauded Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa’s game-changing performances with the ball during the team’s 62-run World Cup win over Pakistan in Bengaluru.
The victory was set up by punishing centuries from openers David Warner (163) and Mitchell Marsh (121), with the pair breaking the record for the highest Australian World Cup opening stand (259) to set up Australia’s imposing total of 9-367.
But Stoinis and Zampa played critical roles in ensuring the Aussies retained control of the match.
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Pakistan were given a solid start of 134 – only their second hundred opening stand this year – by Imam-ul-Haq (70) and Abdullah Shafique (64).
But Stoinis’ short-pitched deliveries claimed both the openers within the space of 20. Shafique mistimed a pull shot to Glenn Maxwell at square-leg, before Imam’s slashed drive found Mitchell Starc at deep third man.
An passionate Stoinis celebrated vociferously – the cricket world was even treated to a ‘gun show’ – as the all-rounder sensed how important his breakthroughs were.
“This epitomised the performance from the Australian cricket team today: Marcus Stoinis, with two wickets to dismiss both the openers,” legendary Aussie opener Matthew Hayden said in commentary.
“Look at the passion, the commitment … the guns are blazing.”
Cummins said Stoinis’ energy both with and without the ball was crucial.
“This is a tough stadium and pitch sometimes to bowl on. But we stuck at it,” Cummins said post-game.
“We stayed aggressive, good use of bouncers. You saw ‘Stoin’ come in and show his energy and really hit the deck hard.”
Leg-spinner Zampa then ripped through the middle-order to finish with figures of 4-53 as Pakistan were bowled out for 305 in 45.3 overs, leaving both teams on two wins and as many losses.
Warner and Marsh celebrate centuries! | 00:39
Mohammad Rizwan (46) and Saud Shakeel (30) added 57 for the fourth wicket as Pakistan needed 168 from the last 20 overs, but Cummins dismissed Saud Shakeel while Zampa accounted for Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed (26) and Mohammad Nawaz (14) to end their resistance.
Zampa has had to deal with an array of injury niggles – and even illness – this World Cup, but he now has nine wickets for the tournament – ranked equal-third.
“Yeah ‘Lazarus’ has been awesome,” Cummins said with a laugh. “He’s been in bed the last week or two.
“That was fantastic. He showed his class.
“He’s a real wicket-taker for us in the middle.”
Hayden said Zampa’s output would be crucial to Australia’s fortunes in this World Cup.
“He’s been up and about, brilliant the last two matches … If Adam Zampa has a good World Cup, Australia are going to be right there at the end. That’s how important it is in these middle stages. Not only economy, but taking wickets,” he said.
“He’s such a good competitor, he’s a great fighter. Australian cricket has been born and bred on this mentality alone, so much punch, so much fight.
“It’s such a key ingredient to Australian performances.”
Former Pakistan batter Ramiz Raja added: “The thing that impresses you about Zampa’s bowling is that when you want to hit him, he’s not your ideal bowler top hit. He’s quick through the air so he likes that challenge.”
Australia has now moved into fourth spot on the World Cup points table with a 2-2 record. The five-time champions next face the Netherlands in New Delhi on Wednesday.
“Yeah, that was a great win,” Cummins said.
“Pretty tough playing here at Chinnaswamy, but good to get a win.”
— with AFP
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