Having started strongly, Australia looked on track to chase the total down in no time. But Pakistan bowlers had other plans. Ali Raza removed Sam Konstas to trigger a mini slide, as Australia lost four wickets for 26 runs. Australia looked in control soon after thanks to a brief partnership between Harry Dixon and Oliver Peake. But Arafat Minhas caused another collapse, removing Dixon and then Campbell. The chase then got tense with Raza dismissing the next three batters quickly, with Australia, at that point needing 16 runs from 24 balls with just one wicket left.
“We fought so hard,” Weibgen said. “I thought every time we thought we were nearly there on top, we lost a wicket, but we just kept fighting. Those partnerships, a few contributions through the middle there. Seventeen-year-old Oli Peake – unbelievable – showed such maturity for such a young bloke. Everyone contributed really well.”
“[I was] ever in doubt. Had full faith in Vids (Vidler) and Raf to get the job done. A lot of emotions, to be honest. I was quite nervous. I still don’t know really what happened, but it was awesome.”
“I think we were short of 10-20 runs, but we put our 100% effort,” Baig said. “We played well, we fought well but Australia played very well. Our boys throughout the tournament were brilliant (and) our bowling was quite well in the tournament.”