Australia v Pakistan, World Cup 2011, Group A, Colombo

Argy-bargy and overkicks

ESPNcricinfo presents the Plays of the Day from the World Cup, Group A match between Pakistan and Australia at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo

Brad Haddin shoves Younis Khan

Referral of the day
Pakistan haven't been too hot in their usage of the DRS in this World Cup, their batsmen and bowlers both too eager to go upstairs to challenge decisions that, to the naked eye, have mostly looked right in the first place. But when Ricky Ponting edged Mohammad Hafeez - and it was so huge, it nearly came off the face of the bat - and Marais Erasmus turned it down, they asked for it straight away. They'd already wasted one early in the innings but as replays confirmed, the edge was so massive Kamran Akmal did remarkably well to hold on to it. Perhaps Akmal holding on to an actual edge was what Erasmus couldn't believe? We're not sure what Ponting was hoping to achieve by hanging around but this is surely why the DRS exists.

Scrap of the day
Bragging rights and a favourable quarter-final draw were the only incentives in a game of two sides already assured knock-out spots. It could've been a low-tension stroll through the Premadasa but low intensity is not something associated with these two sides. Pakistan announced their intent by not giving into emotion and keeping Shoaib Akhtar out. Through the day there was chatter among opponents, though Umar Akmal and Brad Haddin took it to another level with their feisty tete-a-tete after the Ricky Ponting referral. Words were exchanged - not nice ones - and fingers pointed, before Shahid Afridi and Younis Khan tried to calm things down. They didn't and the situation seemed to get worse with what appeared to be a little shove of Younis by Haddin. Ah, dead group games…

Double of the day
The result was drifting towards foregone-conclusion territory with Pakistan needing 79 more runs with eight wickets in hand, when Brett Lee gave the game some spark. Lee had removed both the openers in his first spell, and as soon as he came back for his second, he struck a double blow. Younis Khan edged behind from the fourth ball of Lee's second spell and the next delivery Misbah-ul-Haq also nicked through to Brad Haddin. It was the lift the Australians needed, but unfortunately for Lee, his was proving to be a solo effort.

Soccer of the day
Lee did some fine work with the ball in this match, but this was not his best moment. He dug the ball in to Umar Akmal, who kept it out, though not without a certain awkwardness, and in his follow-through Lee looked set to collect the ball. Instead, he decided to kick it off the ground towards the wicketkeeper - the only problem being that it skewed off the side of his boot and ran away towards fine leg for an overthrow. Or, more correctly, an overkick.

Innings Dot balls 4s 6s PP1 PP2 PP3 Last 10 overs NB/Wides Australia 173 10 1 36/1 31/0 3/2 28/3 0/10 Pakistan 159 21 1 45/2 17/0 N/A 9/0 0/4

Australia v Pakistan, Group A, World Cup 2011, Colombo

A hard call on Ponting's one-day future

Ricky Ponting wants to continue in one-day cricket after the World Cup, but there is little to be gained from him playing on

"I'm going. I have to keep playing. I've missed enough cricket the last couple of years." Those were the words of Ricky Ponting earlier this week, when asked if he would be part of Australia's one-day tour of Bangladesh immediately after the World Cup.

Three days later, the chairman of selectors, Andrew Hilditch, had this to say: "Some players get to go on their own terms at the right times and some don't. I suppose if you're determined to play forever then at some stage a selector is going to make the hard call."

Ricky Ponting

Hilditch went on to praise Ponting's energy and fitness, and said that if any man was capable of playing for a long time, it was the Australia captain. There was no hint that his panel would be making a "hard call" any time soon. But there is nothing to be gained from Ponting, who is now 36, extending his one-day career beyond this World Cup.

If he can guide the Australians to a fourth consecutive title, it would be his greatest captaincy achievement. It would also be the perfect time to fold away the coloured clothing for good. If not - and they have much work to do after their 34-match streak without a World Cup loss ended against Pakistan in Colombo - it would still be the right time to start thinking about the next era of Australia's one-day team.

Michael Clarke has proven himself a thoughtful and adventurous captain, and handing him control of the one-day team would be a positive move. It would also create space to give more exposure to young batsmen like Callum Ferguson and Aaron Finch, who could be important parts of Australia's one-day future. And what else can Ponting, a potentially four-time World Cup winner, hope to achieve in one-day cricket?

Maybe he will go on in Tests; the temptation of another challenging summer against India on the horizon, and visions of one final Ashes tour in 2013 still flickering in his mind. However, by the time the 2015 World Cup comes around, he'll be 40, and will be on the golf course working on his formidable handicap.

Of course, Ponting has been a giant of limited-overs cricket - a tally of 13,184 runs speaks for itself, and his unbeaten 140 in the 2003 World Cup final victory over India is one of the great one-day innings. But right now, he is stuck in the leanest patch of his international career, which continued on Saturday, when he edged behind as he tried to cut against the spin of Mohammad Hafeez.

Since he started at the Academy as a 16-year-old, batting has never appeared difficult for Ponting. It certainly seems to be getting harder. On Saturday at the Premadasa, he hustled to the crease with purpose, rehearsing the swing of his bat as he walked, like a boxer punching the air.

He was careful, and took eight balls to get off the mark. But he was also on the front foot, as is his style when he wishes to make a statement, and when he tried his first hook he was beaten by the bounce of Wahab Riaz, and the top edge flew high over the wicketkeeper's head to the boundary.

The shot that was once Ponting's trademark has become one of his major weaknesses, his judgment not what it was in his youth. In Bangalore on Wednesday, he was surprised by the pace of Canada's Henry Osinde, and lobbed a catch when he tried to pull.

Across all formats, Ponting has played 37 innings since he last made a hundred, against West Indies in an ODI in February last year. The only time he has gone longer without an international triple-figure score was a 43-innings stretch, starting in December 2003.

But even then, during his barren period he still found ways to contribute, and averaged 40.20 across all formats. Now, since his last century, he has averaged 28.27. It is possible to return stronger from such a drought as a young man, but as an ageing player it is much more challenging.

"I'm trying as hard as ever and I feel like I'm seeing the ball as good as ever," Ponting said after making 19 against Pakistan. "If I keep doing the right things, hopefully that big score will come for me. It's been a few games now and I certainly haven't scored the runs I would have liked to have scored in the World Cup so far, but the big games are coming up and hopefully I get some in the quarter-final."

If Ponting wishes to play on after the finals, he would be better off narrowing his focus to Test cricket, and sliding down to No. 5 or 6. It is not a dishonourable move for a captain. Allan Border ended his career down the order, and nobody thought less of him. Steve Waugh hardly ever batted above No. 5.

But Australia don't play any more Tests until August, so that is a debate for another day. For now, it's Ponting's one-day future that needs to be considered. And if he is planning to continue after the World Cup, the selectors might need to make that hard call.

Brydon Coverdale is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo

Pakistan halt Australia’s winning streak

Australia finally lose in a World Cup
Australia 176 v Pakistan 178/6 (41 ov) 
Pakistan won by 4 wickets (with 54 balls remaining)

Australia v Pakistan, World Cup 2011, Group A, Colombo

Pakistan end Australia's run to finish top

Umar Akmal

Pakistan were the last team to overcome Australia at a World Cup and it was they who brought Ricky Ponting's 34-match unbeaten run with a four-wicket victory in Colombo to secure top spot in Group A. An impressive display in the field laid the foundations as the reigning champions were bundled out for 176 on a difficult surface, their lowest total in a World Cup since 1992, and despite a mighty effort from Brett Lee Pakistan were guided home by Umar Akmal and Abdul Razzaq.

Despite not having either team's progression at stake, the final group positions determine quarter-final opposition while momentum is also a factor. Both teams were hyped for the contest, and it came to an early head when Umar and Brad Haddin almost came to blows in the field. Australia were desperate not to relinquish a proud record dating back to May 23, 1999.

After their batting subsided with 20 balls unused, Australia's only chance was to bowl Pakistan out, but in the event it required Lee himself to do most of the damage. He removed both openers in a fiery new-ball burst before returning to claim Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq with consecutive deliveries in 23rd over, leaving Pakistan wobbling on 98 for 4.

However, support for Lee was too late in coming which didn't leave enough runs for Australia to play with. Mitchell Johnson had Asad Shafiq taken at slip off the glove for a composed 46 and Shahid Afridi brainlessly carved to long-on against Jason Krejza. Surprisingly, Lee wasn't immediately recalled with 34 runs still needed and by the time he came back the target was down to 10. Umar played one of his most composed innings yet, and Razzaq finished the chase with consecutive boundaries.

Lee could easily have removed Kamran Akmal in the first over of Pakistan's reply, while in his second over he squared up Mohammad Hafeez and made good ground to take the return catch. With attacking fields set by Ricky Ponting, further boundaries were notched up by Kamran and Shafiq, who had to battle some pain after twisting his ankle, but Lee kept his side in the match singlehandedly.

After being carved over the covers he thundered a rapid delivery into Kamran's pads and this time he was given out by Marais Erasmus with the review unable to save him. However, Ponting knew he had to save some of Lee for later and his spell ended after five overs which released the pressure on Pakistan.

Shafiq, who showed his composure against Zimbabwe in his first World Cup outing, played another mature hand knowing that the required rate was always in hand. Both he and Younis had a few nervous moments - with the pair edging through a vacant slip cordon - but together they took the requirement below 100. Eventually, though, Younis flashed once too often outside off and gave a simple catch to Brad Haddin, and from the very next ball, the match was back in the balance when Misbah, the other half of Pakistan's experienced middle order, hung his bat out at a Lee outswinger.

Umar wasn't going to fiddle his way towards the target and drilled his fifth ball through the covers, but to his immense credit he throttled back to play a very mature hand. He picked the right moments to attack, including a six off Krejza, and didn't panic after Lee's rapid inroads. It helped that he had the experience of Razzaq at the end to see them across the line.

Australia have been saying how they wanted a test after easing through most of the group stage but the batting wasn't up to it on a difficult surface that offered spin and a touch of uneven bounce. Two batsmen desperate for a substantial innings, Ponting (19) and Cameron White (8), both struggled leaving the lower order exposed to an attack that had all the bases covered on a surface offering spin and reverse swing.

Pakistan had an early scare when Gul pulled up at the start of his second over with a knee problem and needed attention from the physio. Whatever treatment was provided worked wonders because he produced a lovely nip-backer to beat Shane Watson's ambitious drive. Ponting has been scratchy during the tournament and was again unconvincing with his first boundary came from a fortunate top-edge after he was comprehensively beaten by a Wahab Riaz bouncer.

Not for the first time spin brought his downfall when he tried to cut Hafeez, who produced a superb 10-over spell for 26, and got a thick edge that Kamran did well to take in the webbing of his right glove. However, it was originally given not out and the DRS was needed to overturn the decision in Pakistan's favour. Meanwhile, as the players waited for the TV umpire, there was an altercation between Haddin and the Pakistanis.

Haddin has been consistent during the tournament without reaching the three-figure score the top order needs and he couldn't convert here when he pushed at a delivery from Wahab Riaz. Misbah missed an opportunity to run out Michael Clarke but made no mistake when his next chance came around when his throw to Kamran found White short after a laboured stay.

In Clarke and Michael Hussey, Australia had two of their in-form players together but even they found scoring tough as Afridi mixed up his bowling options. Razzaq was held back until the 35th over and made an immediate impression when Clarke missed an ugly heave against a well-disguised off-cutter which trimmed the off bail.

Hussey couldn't perform a rescue-act, either, when he chipped a simple catch to midwicket and the innings was coming off the rails as Razzaq produced a nippy delivery to find Johnson's outside edge. It left the tail to cope with Gul and Afridi which proved too much, but Australia weren't many short of a matchwinning total. The quarters and semi-final will be fascinating viewing if the pitches are anything like this surface.

Australia finally lose in a World Cup

Australia finally lose in a World Cup
Australia 176 v Pakistan 178/6 (41 ov) 
Pakistan won by 4 wickets (with 54 balls remaining)

Australia v Pakistan, World Cup 2011, Group A, Colombo

Pakistan end Australia's run to finish top

Umar Akmal

Pakistan were the last team to overcome Australia at a World Cup and it was they who brought Ricky Ponting's 34-match unbeaten run with a four-wicket victory in Colombo to secure top spot in Group A. An impressive display in the field laid the foundations as the reigning champions were bundled out for 176 on a difficult surface, their lowest total in a World Cup since 1992, and despite a mighty effort from Brett Lee Pakistan were guided home by Umar Akmal and Abdul Razzaq.

Despite not having either team's progression at stake, the final group positions determine quarter-final opposition while momentum is also a factor. Both teams were hyped for the contest, and it came to an early head when Umar and Brad Haddin almost came to blows in the field. Australia were desperate not to relinquish a proud record dating back to May 23, 1999.

After their batting subsided with 20 balls unused, Australia's only chance was to bowl Pakistan out, but in the event it required Lee himself to do most of the damage. He removed both openers in a fiery new-ball burst before returning to claim Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq with consecutive deliveries in 23rd over, leaving Pakistan wobbling on 98 for 4.

However, support for Lee was too late in coming which didn't leave enough runs for Australia to play with. Mitchell Johnson had Asad Shafiq taken at slip off the glove for a composed 46 and Shahid Afridi brainlessly carved to long-on against Jason Krejza. Surprisingly, Lee wasn't immediately recalled with 34 runs still needed and by the time he came back the target was down to 10. Umar played one of his most composed innings yet, and Razzaq finished the chase with consecutive boundaries.

Lee could easily have removed Kamran Akmal in the first over of Pakistan's reply, while in his second over he squared up Mohammad Hafeez and made good ground to take the return catch. With attacking fields set by Ricky Ponting, further boundaries were notched up by Kamran and Shafiq, who had to battle some pain after twisting his ankle, but Lee kept his side in the match singlehandedly.

After being carved over the covers he thundered a rapid delivery into Kamran's pads and this time he was given out by Marais Erasmus with the review unable to save him. However, Ponting knew he had to save some of Lee for later and his spell ended after five overs which released the pressure on Pakistan.

Shafiq, who showed his composure against Zimbabwe in his first World Cup outing, played another mature hand knowing that the required rate was always in hand. Both he and Younis had a few nervous moments - with the pair edging through a vacant slip cordon - but together they took the requirement below 100. Eventually, though, Younis flashed once too often outside off and gave a simple catch to Brad Haddin, and from the very next ball, the match was back in the balance when Misbah, the other half of Pakistan's experienced middle order, hung his bat out at a Lee outswinger.

Umar wasn't going to fiddle his way towards the target and drilled his fifth ball through the covers, but to his immense credit he throttled back to play a very mature hand. He picked the right moments to attack, including a six off Krejza, and didn't panic after Lee's rapid inroads. It helped that he had the experience of Razzaq at the end to see them across the line.

Australia have been saying how they wanted a test after easing through most of the group stage but the batting wasn't up to it on a difficult surface that offered spin and a touch of uneven bounce. Two batsmen desperate for a substantial innings, Ponting (19) and Cameron White (8), both struggled leaving the lower order exposed to an attack that had all the bases covered on a surface offering spin and reverse swing.

Pakistan had an early scare when Gul pulled up at the start of his second over with a knee problem and needed attention from the physio. Whatever treatment was provided worked wonders because he produced a lovely nip-backer to beat Shane Watson's ambitious drive. Ponting has been scratchy during the tournament and was again unconvincing with his first boundary came from a fortunate top-edge after he was comprehensively beaten by a Wahab Riaz bouncer.

Not for the first time spin brought his downfall when he tried to cut Hafeez, who produced a superb 10-over spell for 26, and got a thick edge that Kamran did well to take in the webbing of his right glove. However, it was originally given not out and the DRS was needed to overturn the decision in Pakistan's favour. Meanwhile, as the players waited for the TV umpire, there was an altercation between Haddin and the Pakistanis.

Haddin has been consistent during the tournament without reaching the three-figure score the top order needs and he couldn't convert here when he pushed at a delivery from Wahab Riaz. Misbah missed an opportunity to run out Michael Clarke but made no mistake when his next chance came around when his throw to Kamran found White short after a laboured stay.

In Clarke and Michael Hussey, Australia had two of their in-form players together but even they found scoring tough as Afridi mixed up his bowling options. Razzaq was held back until the 35th over and made an immediate impression when Clarke missed an ugly heave against a well-disguised off-cutter which trimmed the off bail.

Hussey couldn't perform a rescue-act, either, when he chipped a simple catch to midwicket and the innings was coming off the rails as Razzaq produced a nippy delivery to find Johnson's outside edge. It left the tail to cope with Gul and Afridi which proved too much, but Australia weren't many short of a matchwinning total. The quarters and semi-final will be fascinating viewing if the pitches are anything like this surface.

pakistan win after 12 years

Australia v Pakistan, World Cup 2011, Group A, Colombo , pakistan win after 12 years

Brilliant Lee gives Australia hope

Brett Lee was single-handily trying to maintain Australia's unbeaten World Cup record with a supreme display of pace bowling to leave Pakistan 109 for 4 in pursuit of 177. The openers fell during Lee's fired-up first spell but he lacked support from his team-mates as Asad Shafiq and Younis Khan steadied the chase. However, Lee returned and claimed two wickets in two balls to give his team a vital lift.

Lee has been Australia's most consistent performer with the ball in the tournament and his opening spell here was exemplary. He could easily have removed Kamran Akmal in the first over when a top edge flew over the slips - Kamran also survived a run-out chance - and was making the ball move late. In his second over he squared up Mohammad Hafeez and made good ground to take the return catch.

A big shout for lbw against Kamran was reviewed but remained an on-field call with the ball just clipping leg and the batsman responded by taking two boundaries off Mitchell Johnson's first over. With attacking fields set by Ricky Ponting, further boundaries were notched up by Kamran and Shafiq, who had to battle some pain after twisting his ankle, but Lee kept his side in the match.

Ricky Ponting

After being carved over the covers he thundered a rapid delivery into Kamran's pads and this time he was given out by Marais Erasmus with the review unable to save him. However, Ponting knew he had to save some of Lee for later and his spell ended after five overs which released the pressure on Pakistan.

Johnson wasn't a huge threat, Shaun Tait proved expensive and Shane Watson was only steady before spin was introduced. Shafiq, who showed his composure against Zimbabwe in his first World Cup outing, played another mature hand knowing that the required rate was always in hand. Both he and Younis had a few nervous moments - with the pair edging through a vacant slip cordon - but took the requirement below a hundred.

Eventually, though, Younis flashed once too often outside off and gave a simple catch to Brad Haddin which continued his poor record against Australia. Next ball and the match was back in the balance when Misbah-ul-Haq, the other half of Pakistan's experienced middle order, hung his bat out at a Lee outswinger. Australia aren't used to losing World Cup matches and won't give this up easily.

Australia 176 (Haddin 42, Gul 3-30) v Pakistan

Pakistan produced an outstanding bowling and fielding display as Australia were hustled out for 176, their lowest completed World Cup total since 1992, on a tricky pitch in Colombo. Brad Haddin top-scored with 42 in a brittle performance from the current champions who have not been beaten in a World Cup match since May 1999. The wickets were shared around with Umar Gul taking three and Abdul Razzaq a crucial brace.

Whoever wins this match will finish top of Group A, which has a bearing on who they play in the quarter-finals and in which country. The first half couldn't have gone much better for Pakistan as all the bowlers played their part in keeping Australia under wraps while their fielding display reached rarely seen levels of excellence. Kamran Akmal had a good day behind the stumps with three catches, while the variety in the attack meant a host of wicket-taking options.

Australia have been saying how they wanted a test after easing through most of the group stage but the batting wasn't up to it on a difficult surface that offered spin and a touch of uneven bounce. Two batsmen desperate for a substantial innings, Ricky Ponting (19) and Cameron White (8), both struggled leaving the lower order exposed to spin and reverse swing.

Pakistan had an early scare when Gul pulled up at the start of his second over with a knee problem and needed attention from the physio. Whatever treatment was provided worked wonders because he produced a lovely nip-backer to beat Shane Watson's ambitious drive.

It was hard work for Australia to find momentum as Gul maintained a testing line and Abdur Rehman, the left-arm spinner, varied his pace nicely after being given the new ball. Haddin briefly broke free when he used his feet against Rehman to loft him straight for six, but it wasn't until the ninth over that the innings got a kick as Gul sprayed five wides before being pulled through midwicket.

Ponting has been scratchy during the tournament and was again unconvincing although he didn't have a huge amount of strike when he arrived. His first boundary came from a fortunate top edge after he was comprehensively beaten by a Wahab Riaz bouncer, but three balls later he produced a sweet cover drive.

Not for the first time, though, spin brought his downfall when he tried to cut Mohammad Hafeez, who produced a superb 10-over spell for 26, and got a thick edge that Kamran did well to take in the webbing of his right glove. However, it was originally given not out and the DRS was needed to overturn the decision in Pakistan's favour. Meanwhile, as the players waited for the TV umpire, there was an altercation between Haddin and the Pakistanis.

Haddin has been consistent during the tournament without reaching the three-figure score the top order needs and he couldn't convert here when he pushed at a delivery from Wahab to give Kamran his second catch. Misbah-ul-Haq missed an opportunity to run out Michael Clarke but made no mistake when his next chance came around when his throw to Kamran found White short after a laboured stay.

In Clarke and Michael Hussey, Australia had two of their in-form players together but even they found scoring tough as Shahid Afridi mixed up his bowling options. Razzaq was held back until the 35th over and made an immediate impression when Clarke missed an ugly heave against a well-disguised off-cutter which trimmed the off bail.

umar akmal

Hussey couldn't perform a rescue-act, either, when he chipped a simple catch to midwicket and the innings was coming off the rails as Razzaq produced a nippy delivery to find Mitchell Johnson's outside edge. Jason Krejza was defeated by Gul's lethal reverse swing and Steve Smith, having tried to see out the overs, chopped into his stumps against Afridi before Brett Lee carved to cover with 20 balls unused.

Andrew McGlashan is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo

Pakistan need 8 runs to win on 60 balls with 4 wickets

Australia v Pakistan, World Cup 2011, Group A, Colombo , pakistan win after 12 years

Brilliant Lee gives Australia hope

Brett Lee was single-handily trying to maintain Australia's unbeaten World Cup record with a supreme display of pace bowling to leave Pakistan 109 for 4 in pursuit of 177. The openers fell during Lee's fired-up first spell but he lacked support from his team-mates as Asad Shafiq and Younis Khan steadied the chase. However, Lee returned and claimed two wickets in two balls to give his team a vital lift.

Lee has been Australia's most consistent performer with the ball in the tournament and his opening spell here was exemplary. He could easily have removed Kamran Akmal in the first over when a top edge flew over the slips - Kamran also survived a run-out chance - and was making the ball move late. In his second over he squared up Mohammad Hafeez and made good ground to take the return catch.

A big shout for lbw against Kamran was reviewed but remained an on-field call with the ball just clipping leg and the batsman responded by taking two boundaries off Mitchell Johnson's first over. With attacking fields set by Ricky Ponting, further boundaries were notched up by Kamran and Shafiq, who had to battle some pain after twisting his ankle, but Lee kept his side in the match.

Ricky Ponting

After being carved over the covers he thundered a rapid delivery into Kamran's pads and this time he was given out by Marais Erasmus with the review unable to save him. However, Ponting knew he had to save some of Lee for later and his spell ended after five overs which released the pressure on Pakistan.

Johnson wasn't a huge threat, Shaun Tait proved expensive and Shane Watson was only steady before spin was introduced. Shafiq, who showed his composure against Zimbabwe in his first World Cup outing, played another mature hand knowing that the required rate was always in hand. Both he and Younis had a few nervous moments - with the pair edging through a vacant slip cordon - but took the requirement below a hundred.

Eventually, though, Younis flashed once too often outside off and gave a simple catch to Brad Haddin which continued his poor record against Australia. Next ball and the match was back in the balance when Misbah-ul-Haq, the other half of Pakistan's experienced middle order, hung his bat out at a Lee outswinger. Australia aren't used to losing World Cup matches and won't give this up easily.

Australia 176 (Haddin 42, Gul 3-30) v Pakistan

Pakistan produced an outstanding bowling and fielding display as Australia were hustled out for 176, their lowest completed World Cup total since 1992, on a tricky pitch in Colombo. Brad Haddin top-scored with 42 in a brittle performance from the current champions who have not been beaten in a World Cup match since May 1999. The wickets were shared around with Umar Gul taking three and Abdul Razzaq a crucial brace.

Whoever wins this match will finish top of Group A, which has a bearing on who they play in the quarter-finals and in which country. The first half couldn't have gone much better for Pakistan as all the bowlers played their part in keeping Australia under wraps while their fielding display reached rarely seen levels of excellence. Kamran Akmal had a good day behind the stumps with three catches, while the variety in the attack meant a host of wicket-taking options.

Australia have been saying how they wanted a test after easing through most of the group stage but the batting wasn't up to it on a difficult surface that offered spin and a touch of uneven bounce. Two batsmen desperate for a substantial innings, Ricky Ponting (19) and Cameron White (8), both struggled leaving the lower order exposed to spin and reverse swing.

Pakistan had an early scare when Gul pulled up at the start of his second over with a knee problem and needed attention from the physio. Whatever treatment was provided worked wonders because he produced a lovely nip-backer to beat Shane Watson's ambitious drive.

It was hard work for Australia to find momentum as Gul maintained a testing line and Abdur Rehman, the left-arm spinner, varied his pace nicely after being given the new ball. Haddin briefly broke free when he used his feet against Rehman to loft him straight for six, but it wasn't until the ninth over that the innings got a kick as Gul sprayed five wides before being pulled through midwicket.

Ponting has been scratchy during the tournament and was again unconvincing although he didn't have a huge amount of strike when he arrived. His first boundary came from a fortunate top edge after he was comprehensively beaten by a Wahab Riaz bouncer, but three balls later he produced a sweet cover drive.

Not for the first time, though, spin brought his downfall when he tried to cut Mohammad Hafeez, who produced a superb 10-over spell for 26, and got a thick edge that Kamran did well to take in the webbing of his right glove. However, it was originally given not out and the DRS was needed to overturn the decision in Pakistan's favour. Meanwhile, as the players waited for the TV umpire, there was an altercation between Haddin and the Pakistanis.

Haddin has been consistent during the tournament without reaching the three-figure score the top order needs and he couldn't convert here when he pushed at a delivery from Wahab to give Kamran his second catch. Misbah-ul-Haq missed an opportunity to run out Michael Clarke but made no mistake when his next chance came around when his throw to Kamran found White short after a laboured stay.

In Clarke and Michael Hussey, Australia had two of their in-form players together but even they found scoring tough as Shahid Afridi mixed up his bowling options. Razzaq was held back until the 35th over and made an immediate impression when Clarke missed an ugly heave against a well-disguised off-cutter which trimmed the off bail.

umar akmal

Hussey couldn't perform a rescue-act, either, when he chipped a simple catch to midwicket and the innings was coming off the rails as Razzaq produced a nippy delivery to find Mitchell Johnson's outside edge. Jason Krejza was defeated by Gul's lethal reverse swing and Steve Smith, having tried to see out the overs, chopped into his stumps against Afridi before Brett Lee carved to cover with 20 balls unused.

Andrew McGlashan is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo

Pakistan need 8 runs to win on 62 balls with 4 wickets

Australia v Pakistan, World Cup 2011, Group A, Colombo , pakistan win after 12 years

Brilliant Lee gives Australia hope

Brett Lee was single-handily trying to maintain Australia's unbeaten World Cup record with a supreme display of pace bowling to leave Pakistan 109 for 4 in pursuit of 177. The openers fell during Lee's fired-up first spell but he lacked support from his team-mates as Asad Shafiq and Younis Khan steadied the chase. However, Lee returned and claimed two wickets in two balls to give his team a vital lift.

Lee has been Australia's most consistent performer with the ball in the tournament and his opening spell here was exemplary. He could easily have removed Kamran Akmal in the first over when a top edge flew over the slips - Kamran also survived a run-out chance - and was making the ball move late. In his second over he squared up Mohammad Hafeez and made good ground to take the return catch.

A big shout for lbw against Kamran was reviewed but remained an on-field call with the ball just clipping leg and the batsman responded by taking two boundaries off Mitchell Johnson's first over. With attacking fields set by Ricky Ponting, further boundaries were notched up by Kamran and Shafiq, who had to battle some pain after twisting his ankle, but Lee kept his side in the match.

Ricky Ponting

After being carved over the covers he thundered a rapid delivery into Kamran's pads and this time he was given out by Marais Erasmus with the review unable to save him. However, Ponting knew he had to save some of Lee for later and his spell ended after five overs which released the pressure on Pakistan.

Johnson wasn't a huge threat, Shaun Tait proved expensive and Shane Watson was only steady before spin was introduced. Shafiq, who showed his composure against Zimbabwe in his first World Cup outing, played another mature hand knowing that the required rate was always in hand. Both he and Younis had a few nervous moments - with the pair edging through a vacant slip cordon - but took the requirement below a hundred.

Eventually, though, Younis flashed once too often outside off and gave a simple catch to Brad Haddin which continued his poor record against Australia. Next ball and the match was back in the balance when Misbah-ul-Haq, the other half of Pakistan's experienced middle order, hung his bat out at a Lee outswinger. Australia aren't used to losing World Cup matches and won't give this up easily.

Australia 176 (Haddin 42, Gul 3-30) v Pakistan

Pakistan produced an outstanding bowling and fielding display as Australia were hustled out for 176, their lowest completed World Cup total since 1992, on a tricky pitch in Colombo. Brad Haddin top-scored with 42 in a brittle performance from the current champions who have not been beaten in a World Cup match since May 1999. The wickets were shared around with Umar Gul taking three and Abdul Razzaq a crucial brace.

Whoever wins this match will finish top of Group A, which has a bearing on who they play in the quarter-finals and in which country. The first half couldn't have gone much better for Pakistan as all the bowlers played their part in keeping Australia under wraps while their fielding display reached rarely seen levels of excellence. Kamran Akmal had a good day behind the stumps with three catches, while the variety in the attack meant a host of wicket-taking options.

Australia have been saying how they wanted a test after easing through most of the group stage but the batting wasn't up to it on a difficult surface that offered spin and a touch of uneven bounce. Two batsmen desperate for a substantial innings, Ricky Ponting (19) and Cameron White (8), both struggled leaving the lower order exposed to spin and reverse swing.

Pakistan had an early scare when Gul pulled up at the start of his second over with a knee problem and needed attention from the physio. Whatever treatment was provided worked wonders because he produced a lovely nip-backer to beat Shane Watson's ambitious drive.

It was hard work for Australia to find momentum as Gul maintained a testing line and Abdur Rehman, the left-arm spinner, varied his pace nicely after being given the new ball. Haddin briefly broke free when he used his feet against Rehman to loft him straight for six, but it wasn't until the ninth over that the innings got a kick as Gul sprayed five wides before being pulled through midwicket.

Ponting has been scratchy during the tournament and was again unconvincing although he didn't have a huge amount of strike when he arrived. His first boundary came from a fortunate top edge after he was comprehensively beaten by a Wahab Riaz bouncer, but three balls later he produced a sweet cover drive.

Not for the first time, though, spin brought his downfall when he tried to cut Mohammad Hafeez, who produced a superb 10-over spell for 26, and got a thick edge that Kamran did well to take in the webbing of his right glove. However, it was originally given not out and the DRS was needed to overturn the decision in Pakistan's favour. Meanwhile, as the players waited for the TV umpire, there was an altercation between Haddin and the Pakistanis.

Haddin has been consistent during the tournament without reaching the three-figure score the top order needs and he couldn't convert here when he pushed at a delivery from Wahab to give Kamran his second catch. Misbah-ul-Haq missed an opportunity to run out Michael Clarke but made no mistake when his next chance came around when his throw to Kamran found White short after a laboured stay.

In Clarke and Michael Hussey, Australia had two of their in-form players together but even they found scoring tough as Shahid Afridi mixed up his bowling options. Razzaq was held back until the 35th over and made an immediate impression when Clarke missed an ugly heave against a well-disguised off-cutter which trimmed the off bail.

umar akmal

Hussey couldn't perform a rescue-act, either, when he chipped a simple catch to midwicket and the innings was coming off the rails as Razzaq produced a nippy delivery to find Mitchell Johnson's outside edge. Jason Krejza was defeated by Gul's lethal reverse swing and Steve Smith, having tried to see out the overs, chopped into his stumps against Afridi before Brett Lee carved to cover with 20 balls unused.

Andrew McGlashan is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo