Ireland v UAE – Group Stages — Brisbane Cricket Ground
Ireland win by two wickets
Shaiman Anwar’s 106 off 83 balls, the first player from UAE to score a World Cup century, guided UAE to 278-9 after being in trouble at 131-6.
In reply, Gary Wilson scored a 69-ball 80 and Kevin O’Brien’s 25-ball 50 just got Ireland over the line in the final over.
Afghanistan v Scotland — Group Stages — University Oval
Afghanistan win by one wicket
Shapoor Zadran took four wickets and Dawlat Zadran’s three to dismiss Scotland for 210. In reply, Afghanistan’s batsmen struggled in similar fashion and were 97-7 before Samiullah Shenwari’s 96 got them to within touching distance before the was dismissed. With both sides searching for a first-ever World Cup win, it looked like Scotland would win when Shenwari was dismissed with 19 runs still required. However, the final pair batted sensibly and got Afghanistan over the line.
New Zealand v Australia — Group Stages — Eden Park
New Zealand win by one wicket
Trent Boult ripped through Australia’s middle-order with figures of 27-5 to dismiss the co-hosts for just 151. In reply, New Zealand were cruising at 78-1 courtesy of McCullum’s 50 from 24 balls before Mitchell Starc proved to be as deadly as Boult and left the Kiwis reeling at 146-9 with figures of 6-28. But with six runs to win and one wicket in hand, Kane Williamson hit Pat Cummins for a maximum to finish the match.
Pakistan v South Africa — Group Stages — Eden Park
Pakistan win by 29 runs
Misbahul Haq’s half-century guided Pakistan to 222 in a rain-affected match reduced to 47 overs. South Africa were given an amended target of 232. The Proteas had crossed 400 in their previous two matches but came up against a spirited Pakistan pace battery. South Africa were dismissed for just 202 despite AB de Villiers making a 58-ball 77.
New Zealand v South Africa — Semis — Eden Park
New Zealand won by four wickets
A rain-curtailed match was reduced to 43 overs just as South Africa were looking to up the ante, but the Proteas were still able to make 281, with the hosts being given a 298-run target. Skipper Brendon McCullum made 59 off 26 balls to get the Kiwis going. Grant Elliot carried the innings forward with a 73-ball 84, hitting the winning six off Dale Steyn when New Zealand required five runs off two balls.
Conquering the world — Australia’s five wins in all five cricket-playing continents
Published in The Express Tribune, March 31st, 2015.
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