World Twenty20 round-up: Australia blown away by Misbah and Malik's onslaught

Pakistan have one foot in the semi-finals of the World Twenty20 after a six-wicket victory over Australia in the Super Eights yesterday.

A solid if unspectacular batting display had set Pakistan 165 for victory in the Group F encounter, which was duly reached in 19.1 overs thanks to assured performances by Shoaib Malik and Misbah-ul-Haq.

The pair came to the crease with Pakistan struggling at 46 for 4 and went on to share a fine 119-run stand. Malik, the captain, finished unbeaten on 52 from 38 balls while Misbah was 66 not out.

Stuart Clark impressed with the ball for Australia, taking the early wickets of openers Imran Nazir and Mohammad Hafeez .

But the Australian attack had no answer to the Pakistan middle order and victory was secured when Andrew Symonds sent down a wide with the scores level.

Australia made a sluggish start to their innings as opener Matthew Hayden fell for just one before Adam Gilchrist went for 24 to leave them 32 for two.

An injury to Ricky Ponting did not help, the captain requiring a runner due to a leg injury before Hafeez bowled him for 27. Michael Hussey and Brad Hodge steadied proceedings with knocks of 37 and 36 respectively, but Australia's total never really looked enough on a decent batting pitch.