In the ICC World Cup 2023 match in Bengaluru, Pakistan’s performance in the field during the first innings against Australia was less than satisfactory. Australia’s opening duo, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh, delivered a scintillating display, pummeling the Pakistani bowlers at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Warner and Marsh forged a remarkable partnership, amassing 259 runs for the first wicket, which not only marked Australia’s highest-ever opening stand in World Cup cricket but was also the first time Pakistan conceded more than a 200-run partnership in World Cup history. This opening stand also became Australia’s second-highest for any wicket in ODIs and the second-highest ever by any team in this format.
Warner’s impressive innings of 163 was a standout performance, setting a new record for the highest individual score against Pakistan in World Cup cricket, surpassing Andrew Symonds’ 143 in 2003. The partnership and individual scores, combined with consistent boundary hitting, showcased Australia’s dominance.
The Pakistani bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, and despite Mitchell Marsh eventually being dismissed for 121, the damage had already been done. Australia became the team to score the most runs in an innings against Pakistan in World Cup history, surpassing Sri Lanka’s 344-run total earlier in the tournament.
With this remarkable performance, Australia maintained their unchanged lineup from their previous victory against Sri Lanka, while Pakistan made a change, bringing in Usama Mir for leg-spinner Shadab Khan. Pakistan had two wins and one defeat in the tournament, while Australia secured their first win after two opening losses, making this match a memorable one in the ICC World Cup 2023.
