Despite staying away from the field since March, Australian limited-overs skipper Aaron Finch is thinking and planning about winning the 2023 ICC World Cup scheduled to be played in India. While the T20 World Cup in Australia later in the year looks unlikely to go ahead due to COVID-19 pandemic, India has the hosting rights for the 2021 edition.

Finch said he is already looking forward to the 2021 and 2023 World Cup in India while adding he is already preparing for how the Aussies can win the tournaments. &nbsp;

“I’m a cricket nuffy so you are always thinking about it, especially being captain and with what’s coming up with the T20 World Cup, whenever that might be, and there’s a couple of them and looking forward to the 2023 50-over World Cup in India,” Finch told SEN Radio. “We are just in the processing of nutting out how we go about winning that, what we’ll need to do down the track to be successful in those three tournaments.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bouncer-rule-introduced-to-limit-success-of-black-team-claims-daren-sammy-308772" hreflang="en">Bouncer rule introduced to limit success of black team, claims Daren Sammy</a>

On the 2023 World Cup, Finch said that they are looking for a detailed plan on how to win the tournament: “In the 50-over space, it’s about working back from that 2023 World Cup and really getting a detailed plan of how we think we’ll have to win it, what’s the structure of the side we’ll need in India. Is it going to be two spinners, is it going to be an extra all-rounder and kind of work back from there.”

Australia, who have a record five world titles under their belt, will look forward to making a stamp after losing to England in the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2019. Finch also said that if there is someone who can make a big impact, then he would need to be given that experience to do well in crunch matches.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/parents-started-thinking-about-inculcating-values-of-sport-after-1983-triumph-kapil-dev-308446" hreflang="en">Parents started thinking about inculcating values of sport after 1983 triumph: Kapil Dev</a>

“If there’s someone new we identify who could perhaps have a big impact... make sure they have enough experience so in a high-pressure semi-final you aren’t going in hoping they’ll do well, you know they have the form and enough experience behind them to make sure they are comfortable with international level,” he said.

“It’s not rocket science, it’s going through data, a bit of gut instinct of what you feel will be the trends of one-day cricket. Will it be 400, or will it be that 320-mark with some wearing pitches in India and a couple of spinners in your side?” 
&nbsp;

Despite staying away from the field since March, Australian limited-overs skipper Aaron Finch is thinking and planning about winning the 2023 ICC World Cup scheduled to be played in India.

Despite staying away from the field since March, Australian limited-overs skipper Aaron Finch is thinking and planning about winning the 2023 ICC World Cup scheduled to be played in India. While the T20 World Cup in Australia later in the year looks unlikely to go ahead due to COVID-19 pandemic, India has the hosting rights for the 2021 edition. Finch said he is already looking forward to the 2021 and 2023 World Cup in India while adding he is already preparing for how the Aussies can win the tournaments. “I’m a cricket nuffy so you are always thinking about it, especially being captain and with what’s coming up with the T20 World Cup, whenever that might be, and there’s a couple of them and looking forward to the 2023 50-over World Cup in India,” Finch told SEN Radio. “We are just in the processing of nutting out how we go about winning that, what we’ll need to do down the track to be successful in those three tournaments.” ALSO READ: Bouncer rule introduced to limit success of black team, claims Daren Sammy On the 2023 World Cup, Finch said that they are looking for a detailed plan on how to win the tournament: “In the 50-over space, it’s about working back from that 2023 World Cup and really getting a detailed plan of how we think we’ll have to win it, what’s the structure of the side we’ll need in India. Is it going to be two spinners, is it going to be an extra all-rounder and kind of work back from there.” Australia, who have a record five world titles under their belt, will look forward to making a stamp after losing to England in the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2019. Finch also said that if there is someone who can make a big impact, then he would need to be given that experience to do well in crunch matches. ALSO READ: Parents started thinking about inculcating values of sport after 1983 triumph: Kapil Dev “If there’s someone new we identify who could perhaps have a big impact... make sure they have enough experience so in a high-pressure semi-final you aren’t going in hoping they’ll do well, you know they have the form and enough experience behind them to make sure they are comfortable with international level,” he said. “It’s not rocket science, it’s going through data, a bit of gut instinct of what you feel will be the trends of one-day cricket. Will it be 400, or will it be that 320-mark with some wearing pitches in India and a couple of spinners in your side?”

Australia's Aaron Finch sets sights on 2023 World Cup

With mixed views coming on the fate of ICC T20 World Cup, Australian skipper Aaron Finch has said that the showpiece event, which is scheduled to be held in October-November in Australia, might be postponed for a few months, given the current situation surrounding COVID-19.&nbsp;

Finch is also of the view that playing matches behind closed doors shouldn’t bother the players much as long as everyone can get live sports up and running. The speculations are rife that the T20 World Cup might be postponed due to the six-month lockdown period in Australia and the complications of travel and logistics.&nbsp;

“I think we might have to get our heads around a T20 World Cup that might be postponed for a month, two months, three months, whatever it has to be,” Finch said in a radio show.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-cricket-in-india-in-near-future-says-bcci-president-sourav-ganguly-294214" hreflang="en">No cricket in India in near future, says BCCI president Sourav  Ganguly</a>

“But as long as we can get live sport up and running. Whether that’s with crowds or not, I don’t think that makes any difference to the players. We played one ODI against New Zealand with no crowd (and it) was really strange for first four or five overs, but then you got into your work,” he said.

Australia will not only host the ICC T20 World Cup in October-November but a bilateral series against India including a four-match Test rubber will follow just after the conclusion of the showpiece event.

Finch reckons that the authorities need to be a bit creative while rescheduling the postponed bilateral series.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-could-be-pushed-back-to-2021-with-ipl-13-taking-october-window-brendon-mccullum-294222" hreflang="en">T20 World Cup could be pushed back to 2021 with IPL 13 taking October window: Brendon McCullum</a>

“I think we might have to get a little bit creative with how we do that (as part of a new-look schedule). Whether that’s setting up and playing two Test matches in one hub or something like that,” he said.

The ICC’s Chief Executives Committee is set to meet on Thursday, over a conference call, to discuss the financial ramifications of COVID-19 and the plans for ICC global events including the T20 World Cup. 
&nbsp;

With mixed views coming on the fate of ICC T20 World Cup, Australian skipper Aaron Finch has said that the showpiece event, which is scheduled to be held in October-November in Australia, might be postponed for a few months, given the current situation surrounding COVID-19.

With mixed views coming on the fate of ICC T20 World Cup, Australian skipper Aaron Finch has said that the showpiece event, which is scheduled to be held in October-November in Australia, might be postponed for a few months, given the current situation surrounding COVID-19. Finch is also of the view that playing matches behind closed doors shouldn’t bother the players much as long as everyone can get live sports up and running. The speculations are rife that the T20 World Cup might be postponed due to the six-month lockdown period in Australia and the complications of travel and logistics. “I think we might have to get our heads around a T20 World Cup that might be postponed for a month, two months, three months, whatever it has to be,” Finch said in a radio show. ALSO READ: No cricket in India in near future, says BCCI president Sourav  Ganguly “But as long as we can get live sport up and running. Whether that’s with crowds or not, I don’t think that makes any difference to the players. We played one ODI against New Zealand with no crowd (and it) was really strange for first four or five overs, but then you got into your work,” he said. Australia will not only host the ICC T20 World Cup in October-November but a bilateral series against India including a four-match Test rubber will follow just after the conclusion of the showpiece event. Finch reckons that the authorities need to be a bit creative while rescheduling the postponed bilateral series. ALSO READ: T20 World Cup could be pushed back to 2021 with IPL 13 taking October window: Brendon McCullum “I think we might have to get a little bit creative with how we do that (as part of a new-look schedule). Whether that’s setting up and playing two Test matches in one hub or something like that,” he said. The ICC’s Chief Executives Committee is set to meet on Thursday, over a conference call, to discuss the financial ramifications of COVID-19 and the plans for ICC global events including the T20 World Cup.

'I think we might have to...' - Aussie skipper Aaron Finch prepared for ICC T20 World Cup postponement

Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium is set to host the finale of Australia's Tour of India. India's comeback in the second ODI will help reduce performance pressure on the players. They will be looking forward to continuing the winning-run, whereas the Australians will be looking to make some amendments to get back on winning ways.&nbsp;

The men in blue are little sceptical about the top order batting today as Rohit Sharma faced a dislocated shoulder and Shikhar Dhawan not stepping into the field after being hit at the rib cages by Pat Cummins in the previous knock.

Shreyas Iyer and Manish Pandey despite being splendid fielders&nbsp;are yet to find form in with their bats and they should be key elements in the middle-order. India's middle-order at the moment completely relies on KL Rahul. &nbsp;KL Rahul's 80 was crucial for India's high score.&nbsp;

Indian bowlers&nbsp;could not get even a single&nbsp;in the first ODI and managed to bowl out the entire Australian team in the second ODI.

Virat Kohli's 78 after returning to his regular batting slot held the team together. He is looking forward to coming out on the same number in the decider. Chinnaswamy is home to Virat's Royal Challengers Bangalore, the crowd will be expecting to bring up his record-breaking century today.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-panic-kohli-says-india-ready-for-australia-showdown-275111">Don't panic: Virat Kohli says India ready for Australia showdown</a>

KL Rahul will be lethal to Australia and crucial to team India, he is currently the torch-bearer of the middle order. He will be playing on his home ground.&nbsp;

Australia will be looking forward to being efficient with its bowling and consistent with the batting. They will be looking forward to finding depth in their batting lineup.&nbsp;

The Aussies conceded a mammoth of 340 runs, to which their reply was 304-all out. Australia just like India relies on its top order. Steve Smith missed his century by a whisker (98). Marnus Labuschagne did not dissappoint on his debut. The young lad scored 46 off 47 balls.&nbsp;

M Chinnaswamy Stadium is a small ground and the match is expected to be a high-scoring match. Bengaluru will see a cloud cover but no rain is predicted. Team batting second will be in a much favourable position.&nbsp;

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Australia return to Bengaluru tonight for a series-deciding ODI against India, buoyed by big victory they achieved at the same venue last year. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/NoIuaTvNki">https://t.co/NoIuaTvNki</a>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1218700617532657664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are said to be recovered after inflicting injuries in the previous match. Rishabh Pant is expected to be a part of the playing XI, he might replace Manish Pandey or KL Rahul might continue the role of wicketkeeper-batsman in the Indian team.&nbsp;

Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Manish Pandey/Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah

Whereas the Aussies will look forward to replacing Kane Richardson with Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood has just recovered from a hamstring injury. D'Arcy Short might be a replacement for Ashton Agar, this might strengthen the batting line-up.

Probable XI: Aaron Finch, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Ashton Turner, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar/D'Arcy Short, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson/Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa

Squads:

India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Shreyas Iyer, Lokesh Rahul(w), Manish Pandey, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Kedar Jadhav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shardul Thakur, Srikar Bharat, Shivam Dube

Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch(c), Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey(w), Ashton Turner, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Handscomb, D Arcy Short

Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium is set to host the finale of Australia's Tour of India. India's comeback in the second ODI will help reduce performance pressure on the players.

Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium is set to host the finale of Australia's Tour of India. India's comeback in the second ODI will help reduce performance pressure on the players. They will be looking forward to continuing the winning-run, whereas the Australians will be looking to make some amendments to get back on winning ways. The men in blue are little sceptical about the top order batting today as Rohit Sharma faced a dislocated shoulder and Shikhar Dhawan not stepping into the field after being hit at the rib cages by Pat Cummins in the previous knock. Shreyas Iyer and Manish Pandey despite being splendid fielders are yet to find form in with their bats and they should be key elements in the middle-order. India's middle-order at the moment completely relies on KL Rahul. KL Rahul's 80 was crucial for India's high score. Indian bowlers could not get even a single in the first ODI and managed to bowl out the entire Australian team in the second ODI. Virat Kohli's 78 after returning to his regular batting slot held the team together. He is looking forward to coming out on the same number in the decider. Chinnaswamy is home to Virat's Royal Challengers Bangalore, the crowd will be expecting to bring up his record-breaking century today. Also read- Don't panic: Virat Kohli says India ready for Australia showdown KL Rahul will be lethal to Australia and crucial to team India, he is currently the torch-bearer of the middle order. He will be playing on his home ground. Australia will be looking forward to being efficient with its bowling and consistent with the batting. They will be looking forward to finding depth in their batting lineup. The Aussies conceded a mammoth of 340 runs, to which their reply was 304-all out. Australia just like India relies on its top order. Steve Smith missed his century by a whisker (98). Marnus Labuschagne did not dissappoint on his debut. The young lad scored 46 off 47 balls. M Chinnaswamy Stadium is a small ground and the match is expected to be a high-scoring match. Bengaluru will see a cloud cover but no rain is predicted. Team batting second will be in a much favourable position. Australia return to Bengaluru tonight for a series-deciding ODI against India, buoyed by big victory they achieved at the same venue last year. #INDvAUS https://t.co/NoIuaTvNki — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 19, 2020 × Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are said to be recovered after inflicting injuries in the previous match. Rishabh Pant is expected to be a part of the playing XI, he might replace Manish Pandey or KL Rahul might continue the role of wicketkeeper-batsman in the Indian team. Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Manish Pandey/Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah Whereas the Aussies will look forward to replacing Kane Richardson with Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood has just recovered from a hamstring injury. D'Arcy Short might be a replacement for Ashton Agar, this might strengthen the batting line-up. Probable XI: Aaron Finch, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Ashton Turner, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar/D'Arcy Short, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson/Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa Squads: India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Shreyas Iyer, Lokesh Rahul(w), Manish Pandey, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Kedar Jadhav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shardul Thakur, Srikar Bharat, Shivam Dube Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch(c), Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey(w), Ashton Turner, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Handscomb, D Arcy Short

India vs Australia, 3rd ODI: After dominating display by each side, it comes down to decider

World's top-ranked ODI side thrashed Australia by seven&nbsp;wickets to claim the three-match series in Bengaluru. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli from the bat and Mohammed Shami with the bowl ensured that India won the three-match series comfortably.

Sharma, who also scored his first double-hundred in this ground, hit six sixes to score a stylish hundred that kept visitors at bay. Sharma and Kohli's 137-run partnership was broken by Adam Zampa when he sent back Sharma for 119 runs.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-becomes-the-third-fastest-batsman-to-register-9000-odi-runs-275305">Rohit Sharma becomes the third-fastest batsman to register 9,000 ODI runs</a>

However, Shreyas Iyer did not allow Australia to bounce back and kept scoring at a strike rate over 100. Kohli and Iyer's fireworks snatched the match away from Aussies. Kohli was on course of another hundred but his plans were spoilt by Josh Hazlewood when he was clean-bowled on 89.

<img alt="Virat Kohli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2c896373-e98b-40af-a7a6-59caebff3a15" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/sXgQR43d.jpg" />

(Virat Kohli completed 5000 runs as captain in this match | Courtesy: ICC)

Frontline Australian bowlers, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc were brutally thrashed by Indian batsmen and both failed to claim any wicket. Spinners Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa were only bowlers who restricted the run flow and ended up with figures of 1 for 38 runs and 1 for 44 runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Manish Pandey smashed Hazlewood for a boundary to finish off the proceedings. Iyer remained not out on 44 that included one six and six fours.&nbsp;

Sharma was awared player of the match award for his innings. Kohli grabbed the man of the series trophy for two valuable knocks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier, Australia won the toss and this time elected to bat first. Steve Smith once again carried on his impressive form and this time completed the three-figure mark which helped Australia post 286 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Bengaluru is known as a high-scoring venue but wickets at regular interval meant that the visitors were unable to put up an intimidating total.&nbsp;

Shami again proved his worth as he ended up with four wickets for 62 runs. Shami gave India its first breakthrough by dismissing Warner whose unbeaten ton in the first match cost India a humiliating loss. Skipper Aaron Finch was run out after getting a decent start.

Smith and Marnus Labuschagne's partnership was looking threatening but Ravindra Jadeja, like the last match ended their stand and&nbsp;dismissed Labuschagne on 54. In the same over, Jadeja also claimed Mitchell Starc's wicket, who was sent to provide an impetus to Australia's innings.&nbsp;

Indian pacers once again were effective in the death overs and their yorkers not only took wickets but stopped the run-flow.

However, Smith kept holding one end and got out in the 48th over.

Jadeja ended up with two wickets and Jasprit Bumrah, even though did not pick any wicket, but proved his worth at death by restricting the scoring.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

World's top-ranked ODI side thrashed Australia by seven wickets to claim the three-match series in Bengaluru. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli from the bat and Mohammed Shami with the bowl ensured that India won the three-match series comfortably.

World's top-ranked ODI side thrashed Australia by seven wickets to claim the three-match series in Bengaluru. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli from the bat and Mohammed Shami with the bowl ensured that India won the three-match series comfortably. Sharma, who also scored his first double-hundred in this ground, hit six sixes to score a stylish hundred that kept visitors at bay. Sharma and Kohli's 137-run partnership was broken by Adam Zampa when he sent back Sharma for 119 runs. Also read: Rohit Sharma becomes the third-fastest batsman to register 9,000 ODI runs However, Shreyas Iyer did not allow Australia to bounce back and kept scoring at a strike rate over 100. Kohli and Iyer's fireworks snatched the match away from Aussies. Kohli was on course of another hundred but his plans were spoilt by Josh Hazlewood when he was clean-bowled on 89. (Virat Kohli completed 5000 runs as captain in this match | Courtesy: ICC) Frontline Australian bowlers, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc were brutally thrashed by Indian batsmen and both failed to claim any wicket. Spinners Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa were only bowlers who restricted the run flow and ended up with figures of 1 for 38 runs and 1 for 44 runs. Manish Pandey smashed Hazlewood for a boundary to finish off the proceedings. Iyer remained not out on 44 that included one six and six fours. Sharma was awared player of the match award for his innings. Kohli grabbed the man of the series trophy for two valuable knocks. Earlier, Australia won the toss and this time elected to bat first. Steve Smith once again carried on his impressive form and this time completed the three-figure mark which helped Australia post 286 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Bengaluru is known as a high-scoring venue but wickets at regular interval meant that the visitors were unable to put up an intimidating total. Shami again proved his worth as he ended up with four wickets for 62 runs. Shami gave India its first breakthrough by dismissing Warner whose unbeaten ton in the first match cost India a humiliating loss. Skipper Aaron Finch was run out after getting a decent start. Smith and Marnus Labuschagne's partnership was looking threatening but Ravindra Jadeja, like the last match ended their stand and dismissed Labuschagne on 54. In the same over, Jadeja also claimed Mitchell Starc's wicket, who was sent to provide an impetus to Australia's innings. Indian pacers once again were effective in the death overs and their yorkers not only took wickets but stopped the run-flow. However, Smith kept holding one end and got out in the 48th over. Jadeja ended up with two wickets and Jasprit Bumrah, even though did not pick any wicket, but proved his worth at death by restricting the scoring.

India vs Australia 3rd ODI: Rohit Sharma, Shami shine as hosts claim series

Australia demolished India by ten wickets at the Wankhede on Tuesday with openers Finch and Warner hitting unbeaten centuries in the first one-day international in Mumbai.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-1st-odi-india-all-out-for-255-kohli-misses-chance-to-break-record-274234">Also Read: Starc knocks out Team India; Kohli misses chance to break record</a>

The visitors chasing 255 to win wrapped up the match in just 37.4 overs scoring 258 with Warner unbeaten on 128 off just 112 balls and Flinch at the other end giving him company till the end scoring 110 in 114 balls.

Warner with three sixes and captain Finch with two sixes put the Indian bowling to the sword picking up 30 boundaries between them with Warner hitting 17 and Flinch 13 hits to the fence.

None of the Indian bowlers managed to scare the Aussies with Shami giving away 58 runs in 7.4 overs, and Bumrah being hit for 50 runs in his seven-over spell.

The Australian openers were especially severe on Thakur who was hit for 43 runs in his fiver-over spell. Kuldeep Yadav managed to keep the Aussies at bay but still leaked runs giving away 55 runs in his ten overs. Jadeja too couldn't make an impression conceding 41 runs in his eight overs.

Earlier, India managed 255 runs but failed to use up their quota of 50 overs, falling away in 49.1 overs.

After Rohit Sharma fell early(10 runs in 15 balls), Dhawan and KL Rahul stitched a 121-run partnership but after Rahul fell after hitting a patient 47 in 61 balls(4 boundaries)&nbsp;with India on 134, Dhawan too fell scoring 74 runs with India on 140 for 3, the other batsman failed to capitalise including captain Virat Kohli who managed just 16 falling to Zampa's spin.

Pant(28 runs) and Jadeja (25 runs) helped India to go past&nbsp;the 250-run mark but it clearly wasn't enough in the end.

Australia demolished India by ten wickets at the Wankhede on Tuesday with openers Finch and Warner hitting unbeaten centuries in the first one-day international in Mumbai.

Australia demolished India by ten wickets at the Wankhede on Tuesday with openers Finch and Warner hitting unbeaten centuries in the first one-day international in Mumbai. Also Read: Starc knocks out Team India; Kohli misses chance to break record The visitors chasing 255 to win wrapped up the match in just 37.4 overs scoring 258 with Warner unbeaten on 128 off just 112 balls and Flinch at the other end giving him company till the end scoring 110 in 114 balls. Warner with three sixes and captain Finch with two sixes put the Indian bowling to the sword picking up 30 boundaries between them with Warner hitting 17 and Flinch 13 hits to the fence. None of the Indian bowlers managed to scare the Aussies with Shami giving away 58 runs in 7.4 overs, and Bumrah being hit for 50 runs in his seven-over spell. The Australian openers were especially severe on Thakur who was hit for 43 runs in his fiver-over spell. Kuldeep Yadav managed to keep the Aussies at bay but still leaked runs giving away 55 runs in his ten overs. Jadeja too couldn't make an impression conceding 41 runs in his eight overs. Earlier, India managed 255 runs but failed to use up their quota of 50 overs, falling away in 49.1 overs. After Rohit Sharma fell early(10 runs in 15 balls), Dhawan and KL Rahul stitched a 121-run partnership but after Rahul fell after hitting a patient 47 in 61 balls(4 boundaries) with India on 134, Dhawan too fell scoring 74 runs with India on 140 for 3, the other batsman failed to capitalise including captain Virat Kohli who managed just 16 falling to Zampa's spin. Pant(28 runs) and Jadeja (25 runs) helped India to go past the 250-run mark but it clearly wasn't enough in the end.

Finch, Warner slay India; Australia win first ODI by 10 wickets

Australians&nbsp;are&nbsp;eyeing an exciting ODI series against&nbsp;India at home starting next week&nbsp;with&nbsp;Aaron Finch declaring his team is ready to "give Virat Kohli's men a run for their money."

Finch's teamates -&nbsp;David Warner, Pat Cummins&nbsp;and Marnus Labuschagne have also made their intentions clear ahead of the crucial ODI encounter against Virat's India.

Australian Skipper Aaron Finch said&nbsp;that 'this' Australian side is much more confident to trouble the men in blue.&nbsp;

"Australia have the goods to give Virat Kohli's men a run for their money," said Aaron Finch before leaving for the three-match series against India.&nbsp;

The former world champions&nbsp;will look to repeat their feat last year when&nbsp;they beat India 3-2 in in an ODI series last year. Australia came back to win the series after trailing in the series.

Finch said&nbsp;that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../cricket-labuschagne-leads-as-australia-take- charge-in-sydney-271812">Marnus Labuschagne</a>'s presence in the squad will be vital as the newcomer's form has been fantastic.

Marnus Labuschagne has yet not debuted in the ODI format but has had an amazing run in Tests.&nbsp;

Marnus Labuschagne, the&nbsp;new Aussie batting sensation aspires to be a world-class cricketer in all formats. The latest Australian run machine has 1,495 in 14 Tests with an average of 63 with one double century.

Labuschagne who counts Virat as one of his heroes is expected to make his debut&nbsp;against India at the Wankhede in Mumbai on January 14.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../cricket-stunned-new-zealand-fight-to-save- second-australia-test-270820">David Warner</a> surely seems excited about his trip to India and his Indian fans. He posted a photo Instagram and shared his thoughts on the forthcoming series.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7FIRDLJy84/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">India here we come!! It’s going to be a great 3 game series. Looking forward to seeing all our Indian fans 👍👍</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/davidwarner31/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> David Warner</a> (@davidwarner31) on <time datetime="2020-01-09T01:16:56+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 8, 2020 at 5:16pm PST</time>
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Australian pace spearhead Pat Cummins said&nbsp;that spinners will play a crucial role in the series against India.

In ODIs, Australia dominates India with having won 77 matches and losing 49&nbsp;with&nbsp;no results in 10 matches.

Australians are eyeing an exciting ODI series against India at home starting next week with Aaron Finch declaring his team is ready to "give Virat Kohli's men a run for their money.

Australians are eyeing an exciting ODI series against India at home starting next week with Aaron Finch declaring his team is ready to "give Virat Kohli's men a run for their money." Finch's teamates - David Warner, Pat Cummins and Marnus Labuschagne have also made their intentions clear ahead of the crucial ODI encounter against Virat's India. Australian Skipper Aaron Finch said that 'this' Australian side is much more confident to trouble the men in blue. "Australia have the goods to give Virat Kohli's men a run for their money," said Aaron Finch before leaving for the three-match series against India. The former world champions will look to repeat their feat last year when they beat India 3-2 in in an ODI series last year. Australia came back to win the series after trailing in the series. Finch said that Marnus Labuschagne's presence in the squad will be vital as the newcomer's form has been fantastic. Marnus Labuschagne has yet not debuted in the ODI format but has had an amazing run in Tests. Marnus Labuschagne, the new Aussie batting sensation aspires to be a world-class cricketer in all formats. The latest Australian run machine has 1,495 in 14 Tests with an average of 63 with one double century. Labuschagne who counts Virat as one of his heroes is expected to make his debut against India at the Wankhede in Mumbai on January 14. David Warner surely seems excited about his trip to India and his Indian fans. He posted a photo Instagram and shared his thoughts on the forthcoming series. View this post on Instagram India here we come!! It’s going to be a great 3 game series. Looking forward to seeing all our Indian fans 👍👍 A post shared by David Warner (@davidwarner31) on Jan 8, 2020 at 5:16pm PST × Australian pace spearhead Pat Cummins said that spinners will play a crucial role in the series against India. In ODIs, Australia dominates India with having won 77 matches and losing 49 with no results in 10 matches.

Australia have the goods to give Virat Kohli's men a run for their money: Finch ahead of ODI series against India

Australia continued their recent dominance in T20 as they thrashed Pakistan in the third and final match of the series to claim the series 2-0.

It was a completely one-sided affair as the hosts first restricted Pakistan to less than a modest score and then wrapped up the match with more than eight overs to spare. Australia rested star pacer Pat Cummins but his absence was not missed by the hosts as the Australian pacers shared six wickets amongst themselves.&nbsp;

After Australia won the toss, spearhead Mitchell Starc showed his intentions early in the match as he removed captain Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan for 6 and 0. Pakistan couldn't recover after losing three wickets for 22 runs and wickets at regular interval meant that Pakistan ended with a score of 106 runs.&nbsp;

Kane Richardson claimed three wickets&nbsp;in the all-round show by Australian bowlers. The star of the bowling, however, was the Man of the Match&nbsp;Sean Abbott who took two wickets in the match but gave away only 14 runs in four overs. Starc also claimed two wickets.

David Warner and skipper Aaron Finch showed no mercy to Pakistani bowlers as Australia finished off the match in 11.5 overs with all the wickets intact. Warner and Finch were not out at 48 and 52 runs respectively.&nbsp;

Steve Smith was awarded Player of the Series award.

In the previous match too, Australia won comfortably by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-steve-smith-fires-australia-to-victory-over-pakistan-in-t20-match-260229">seven wickets</a>. Steve Smith was the star of that match with an unbeaten score of 80. Australia were also ahead in the first match of the series before it was called off due to rain.&nbsp;

After a clean-sweep&nbsp;against Sri Lanka at home, this is another series win for Australia. Australia are to host T20 world cup next year.&nbsp;

For Pakistan, the only positives of the series were Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed. Azam scored most runs in the series with an average of 57.5 and was followed by Ahmed who remained unbeaten in the tournament and scored 108 runs.&nbsp;

Richardson took most wickets (6) in the series. Ashton Agar and Starc ended with four wickets.

Australia continued their recent dominance in T20 as they thrashed Pakistan in the third and final match of the series to claim the series 2-0. It was a completely one-sided affair as the hosts first restricted Pakistan to less than a modest score and then wrapped up the match with more than eight overs to spare.

Australia continued their recent dominance in T20 as they thrashed Pakistan in the third and final match of the series to claim the series 2-0. It was a completely one-sided affair as the hosts first restricted Pakistan to less than a modest score and then wrapped up the match with more than eight overs to spare. Australia rested star pacer Pat Cummins but his absence was not missed by the hosts as the Australian pacers shared six wickets amongst themselves. After Australia won the toss, spearhead Mitchell Starc showed his intentions early in the match as he removed captain Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan for 6 and 0. Pakistan couldn't recover after losing three wickets for 22 runs and wickets at regular interval meant that Pakistan ended with a score of 106 runs. Kane Richardson claimed three wickets in the all-round show by Australian bowlers. The star of the bowling, however, was the Man of the Match Sean Abbott who took two wickets in the match but gave away only 14 runs in four overs. Starc also claimed two wickets. David Warner and skipper Aaron Finch showed no mercy to Pakistani bowlers as Australia finished off the match in 11.5 overs with all the wickets intact. Warner and Finch were not out at 48 and 52 runs respectively. Steve Smith was awarded Player of the Series award. In the previous match too, Australia won comfortably by seven wickets. Steve Smith was the star of that match with an unbeaten score of 80. Australia were also ahead in the first match of the series before it was called off due to rain. After a clean-sweep against Sri Lanka at home, this is another series win for Australia. Australia are to host T20 world cup next year. For Pakistan, the only positives of the series were Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed. Azam scored most runs in the series with an average of 57.5 and was followed by Ahmed who remained unbeaten in the tournament and scored 108 runs. Richardson took most wickets (6) in the series. Ashton Agar and Starc ended with four wickets.

Aus vs Pak, 2nd T20: Australia thrash Pakistan to win series 2-0

Australia captain Aaron Finch admitted his side were "outplayed" by England after the World Cup holders saw their reign ended in a semi-final thumping on Thursday.

Despite winning the toss and batting first, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-thrash-australia-by-eight-wickets-to-reach-world-cup-final-235127">Finch's team were humbled as they collapsed to 223 all out</a> before allowing England to sweep to victory in just 32.1 overs.

Losing to their arch-rivals in front of a gleeful Edgbaston crowd was a painful way for Australia to surrender the trophy they had won four times in the past five tournaments.

But Finch, who was out for a duck, conceded England had been far superior.&nbsp;

"We were totally outplayed today. We expected the new ball to seam a little but they bowled a great length, hitting the stumps a lot," Finch said.

"We had to have a lot things go right for us. We had to take our chances and bowl them out.&nbsp;

"We tried to take wickets but when you are aggressive with the ball and they are aggressive with the bat, things can happen very quickly."

England openers Jason Roy, who hit 85 from 65 balls, and Jonny Bairstow, who made 34, took the game away from Australia with a superb 124-run partnership for the first wicket.

"They played exceptionally well. We know how dominant they are when they get on top. You've got a very good cricket team in England," Finch said.

Although Australia had beaten England easily in the group stage at Lord's, they were a shadow of the team that eased into the semi-finals with seven wins from nine matches.

For just the second time in the past seven World Cups, Australia have failed to make the final, but Finch said he was proud of his team's efforts 12 months after they were crushed 5-0 by England in a one-day international series.

"We have a lot of positives from the campaign. We've come a long way from when we were in England a year ago," he said.

"We came here thinking we could win the tournament. We've had backs to the wall and character shown and I'm proud of how the group have progressed but it still hurts."

Australia captain Aaron Finch admitted his side were "outplayed" by England after the World Cup holders saw their reign ended in a semi-final thumping on Thursday.

Australia captain Aaron Finch admitted his side were "outplayed" by England after the World Cup holders saw their reign ended in a semi-final thumping on Thursday. Despite winning the toss and batting first, Finch's team were humbled as they collapsed to 223 all out before allowing England to sweep to victory in just 32.1 overs. Losing to their arch-rivals in front of a gleeful Edgbaston crowd was a painful way for Australia to surrender the trophy they had won four times in the past five tournaments. But Finch, who was out for a duck, conceded England had been far superior. "We were totally outplayed today. We expected the new ball to seam a little but they bowled a great length, hitting the stumps a lot," Finch said. "We had to have a lot things go right for us. We had to take our chances and bowl them out. "We tried to take wickets but when you are aggressive with the ball and they are aggressive with the bat, things can happen very quickly." England openers Jason Roy, who hit 85 from 65 balls, and Jonny Bairstow, who made 34, took the game away from Australia with a superb 124-run partnership for the first wicket. "They played exceptionally well. We know how dominant they are when they get on top. You've got a very good cricket team in England," Finch said. Although Australia had beaten England easily in the group stage at Lord's, they were a shadow of the team that eased into the semi-finals with seven wins from nine matches. For just the second time in the past seven World Cups, Australia have failed to make the final, but Finch said he was proud of his team's efforts 12 months after they were crushed 5-0 by England in a one-day international series. "We have a lot of positives from the campaign. We've come a long way from when we were in England a year ago," he said. "We came here thinking we could win the tournament. We've had backs to the wall and character shown and I'm proud of how the group have progressed but it still hurts."

Australia 'outplayed' by England in World Cup semi, says Aaron Finch

England captain Eoin Morgan has urged his side to embrace their World Cup dreams as they prepare for Thursday's blockbuster semi-final against old rivals Australia.

Morgan can lead <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-england-face-acid-test-in-world-cup-semi-final-clash-with-australia-234734">England </a>to their first World Cup final since 1992 if they beat the holders at Edgbaston.

Advancing to Sunday's title match at Lord's would be the culmination of four years' hard work for Morgan and his squad after their dismal performance at the 2015 edition.

On the eve of the crunch clash, Morgan issued a passionate plea for his players to take pride in their achievements so far and to relish their moment in the spotlight rather than be weighed down by pressure.

"Sometimes I'm guilty of it, you can lose sight of the position you're in and the fact you're living your dream," Morgan told reporters on Wednesday.

"I think it's possible to play with a smile on your face tomorrow," he added.

Asked if the World Cup hosts were feeling excited, nervous or simply focused on the task at hand, Morgan added,&nbsp;"All of those things. But I think excitement probably should be the dominant one.''

"Everyone is excited to play this semi-final. The fact that through the group stages getting to this stage looked unlikely, or was called into question, makes it even more exciting for us," he said.

Morgan's side have established a proud recent record against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-peter-handscomb-marcus-stoinis-to-be-in-australias-playing-xi-for-semi-final-vs-england-234549">Australia</a>, winning 10 of the last 11 one-day internationals between the old rivals prior to this tournament.

That counted for nothing in the group stages, when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aussie-blow-as-usman-khawaja-ruled-out-of-world-cup-marcus-stoinis-struggles-233940">Australia </a>claimed a 64-run win at Lord's that left England's hopes of a top-four finish in doubt.

Morgan admits England were not themselves in that match, knocked off course by a tame defeat to Sri Lanka and the absence of injured opener Jason Roy.

Roy is back from his torn hamstring and England looked far more formidable in the wins over India and New Zealand that took them to the semi-finals.

"We're probably more confident than we were three games ago, we're a different team," Morgan said.

"The loss against Sri Lanka hurt us. I don't think we were playing anywhere near our best cricket, there was a hangover from the Sri Lanka game. It feels like we're back to the team we are," said Morgan.

England captain Eoin Morgan has urged his side to embrace their World Cup dreams as they prepare for Thursday's blockbuster semi-final against old rivals Australia.

England captain Eoin Morgan has urged his side to embrace their World Cup dreams as they prepare for Thursday's blockbuster semi-final against old rivals Australia. Morgan can lead England to their first World Cup final since 1992 if they beat the holders at Edgbaston. Advancing to Sunday's title match at Lord's would be the culmination of four years' hard work for Morgan and his squad after their dismal performance at the 2015 edition. On the eve of the crunch clash, Morgan issued a passionate plea for his players to take pride in their achievements so far and to relish their moment in the spotlight rather than be weighed down by pressure. "Sometimes I'm guilty of it, you can lose sight of the position you're in and the fact you're living your dream," Morgan told reporters on Wednesday. "I think it's possible to play with a smile on your face tomorrow," he added. Asked if the World Cup hosts were feeling excited, nervous or simply focused on the task at hand, Morgan added, "All of those things. But I think excitement probably should be the dominant one.'' "Everyone is excited to play this semi-final. The fact that through the group stages getting to this stage looked unlikely, or was called into question, makes it even more exciting for us," he said. Morgan's side have established a proud recent record against Australia, winning 10 of the last 11 one-day internationals between the old rivals prior to this tournament. That counted for nothing in the group stages, when Australia claimed a 64-run win at Lord's that left England's hopes of a top-four finish in doubt. Morgan admits England were not themselves in that match, knocked off course by a tame defeat to Sri Lanka and the absence of injured opener Jason Roy. Roy is back from his torn hamstring and England looked far more formidable in the wins over India and New Zealand that took them to the semi-finals. "We're probably more confident than we were three games ago, we're a different team," Morgan said. "The loss against Sri Lanka hurt us. I don't think we were playing anywhere near our best cricket, there was a hangover from the Sri Lanka game. It feels like we're back to the team we are," said Morgan.

Eoin Morgan urges England to embrace World Cup 'dream' ahead of semi-final vs Australia

World Cup: Players to watch out for in Australia vs England semi-final clash

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has posted an image of all four captains who led their teams to the semi-finals of Cricket World Cup 2018 with a caption, "The Fab Four #CWC19".&nbsp;

India, Australia, England and New Zealand have entered the semis and ICC posted the image of Virat Kohli, Aaron Finch, Eoin Morgan and Kane Williamson standing according to their team's respective position on the World Cup standings.&nbsp;

India atop the points table and will face fourth-positioned New Zealand in the semi-final, which is scheduled to take place on July 9.&nbsp;

While second-placed and defending champions Australia will face hosts England in a much-anticipated clash in Birmingham on July 11.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The Fab Four 🙌 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KaneWilliamson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KaneWilliamson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EoinMorgan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EoinMorgan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AaronFinch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AaronFinch</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ViratKohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ViratKohli</a> <a href="https://t.co/q1X0ARRGEC">pic.twitter.com/q1X0ARRGEC</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1148136604449611778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The final will be played at the Lord`s on July 14.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-know-what-will-happen-if-india-vs-new-zealand-match-gets-abandoned-234101">Know what will happen if India vs New Zealand match gets abandoned</a>

<img alt="Cricket World Cup" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b48f5eb-268f-450e-ad17-b886201079aa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/semi-final_2.jpg" />

&nbsp;

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has posted an image of all four captains who led their teams to the semi-finals of Cricket World Cup 2018 with a caption, "The Fab Four #CWC19".

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has posted an image of all four captains who led their teams to the semi-finals of Cricket World Cup 2018 with a caption, "The Fab Four #CWC19". India, Australia, England and New Zealand have entered the semis and ICC posted the image of Virat Kohli, Aaron Finch, Eoin Morgan and Kane Williamson standing according to their team's respective position on the World Cup standings. India atop the points table and will face fourth-positioned New Zealand in the semi-final, which is scheduled to take place on July 9. While second-placed and defending champions Australia will face hosts England in a much-anticipated clash in Birmingham on July 11. The Fab Four 🙌 #CWC19 #KaneWilliamson #EoinMorgan #AaronFinch #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/q1X0ARRGEC — ICC (@ICC) July 8, 2019 × The final will be played at the Lord`s on July 14. Also Read: Know what will happen if India vs New Zealand match gets abandoned

Here's the 'Fab Four' Cricket World Cup 2019

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has spent plenty of time with Australian batsman <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-i-thrive-on-crowd-booing-i-love-it-says-australias-david-warner-230818&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi_rMvZ_Y3jAhUIP48KHfrbBkY4ChAWMAF6BAgOEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw0I5NFSkHL0D3RgDTN3mf7y">David Warner</a> over the years and needed no reminding on Friday of the danger faced in Saturday's World Cup clash at Lord's.

The pair have played together in Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League.

"Day-in, day-out, he's one of the top players for a reason," Williamson told reporters.

"He's been instrumental on the Australian side, he's adapted his game and been able to help put his side in a position of strength,'' said Williamson.

"We know he's a very good player. We want to still worry about us and what we want to achieve with the ball in hand, with the bat, and always importantly for us, it's how we operate with our attitude in the field as well," he added.

Australia have already secured their spot in the last four while neighbours New Zealand, unbeaten in their first six games of the tournament, are third in the standings but have yet to play hosts England.

A win over Australia would see the Black Caps through and represent a strong recovery from their six-wicket loss to Pakistan at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

Warner currently heads the runs table with 500, ahead of Australia captain Aaron Finch on 496. Williamson ranks fifth on 414.

"It will be a really good atmosphere," promised Williamson, who said <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-pakistans-shaheen-afridi-tears-through-new-zealand-top-order-230632&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjR_azs_Y3jAhVLrY8KHfwlCtAQFjABegQIDBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Wlh3LfXmSCzB-0Jm8WmbI">New Zealand</a> would assess the conditions carefully before confirming the side.

"Sometimes I think we've seen in the last few games that looking to blast teams out, perhaps with the use of seam movement and these sorts of things, it hasn't quite been there, and it's been about playing the long game a little bit," he said.

"They have been playing really good cricket... but when you come to a World Cup, or any tournament, anybody can beat anybody and we've seen that on different occasions already in this tournament," Williamson said.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has spent plenty of time with Australian batsman David Warner over the years and needed no reminding on Friday of the danger faced in Saturday's World Cup clash at Lord's.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has spent plenty of time with Australian batsman David Warner over the years and needed no reminding on Friday of the danger faced in Saturday's World Cup clash at Lord's. The pair have played together in Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League. "Day-in, day-out, he's one of the top players for a reason," Williamson told reporters. "He's been instrumental on the Australian side, he's adapted his game and been able to help put his side in a position of strength,'' said Williamson. "We know he's a very good player. We want to still worry about us and what we want to achieve with the ball in hand, with the bat, and always importantly for us, it's how we operate with our attitude in the field as well," he added. Australia have already secured their spot in the last four while neighbours New Zealand, unbeaten in their first six games of the tournament, are third in the standings but have yet to play hosts England. A win over Australia would see the Black Caps through and represent a strong recovery from their six-wicket loss to Pakistan at Edgbaston on Wednesday. Warner currently heads the runs table with 500, ahead of Australia captain Aaron Finch on 496. Williamson ranks fifth on 414. "It will be a really good atmosphere," promised Williamson, who said New Zealand would assess the conditions carefully before confirming the side. "Sometimes I think we've seen in the last few games that looking to blast teams out, perhaps with the use of seam movement and these sorts of things, it hasn't quite been there, and it's been about playing the long game a little bit," he said. "They have been playing really good cricket... but when you come to a World Cup, or any tournament, anybody can beat anybody and we've seen that on different occasions already in this tournament," Williamson said.

World Cup: Australia take on New Zealand in Trans-Tasman clash

David Warner says he's living the dream playing for Australia at the World Cup and no amount of booing from England fans eager to remind him of his one-year ban for ball tampering is going to spoil his mood.

The left-handed batsman shared an opening stand of 123 with his captain Aaron Finch as the defending champions beat hosts and pre-tournament favourites England at Lord's on Tuesday to book a place in the semi-finals.

It was <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-century-means-a-lot-as-a-batsman-david-warner-226679&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjf0ae2oInjAhULa94KHXJmDkUQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1gNLJ8k39J8oxapR3YvxKE">Warner's </a>seventh match for Australia after returning from the ban for his part in the Newlands scandal and his innings of 53 runs took his tournament tally to 500 at an average of 83.33.

There were <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2019-english-crowds-stupid-to-boo-david-warner-says-manager-224097&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjf0ae2oInjAhULa94KHXJmDkUQFjAGegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3khnEIvZC8-dVi_P8eivTh">boos for Warner</a> and his former captain Steve Smith when they took the field but the 32-year-old from the tough southeastern Sydney suburbs was not letting it bother him.

"At the end of the day. People have the right to come in here, they pay their dollars and if they want to boo us, they can. As I said before, I thrive on that stuff, I love it. I went out to the corner there... and copped it&nbsp;," Warner told reporters at Lord's.

"At the end of the day you have to smile -- they pay their money to come and watch us and we are grateful for them to come and sit down and watch us. I always just smile. I take my glasses off and look everyone in the eye and just smile,'' Warner said.

"That is what it's about, I am living the dream, I am out here at Lord's, playing cricket for my country," he added.

Warner said 12 months out of international cricket and returning to his Randwick-Petersham club had effected a change in his outlook on his sport.

"For me, it is about enjoying the game. When it is taken away from you, you realise what it is all about. Going back to grassroots was fantastic," he said.

"I really saw smiles on people's faces to be out there on a Saturday afternoon, all the volunteers that come down and put time and effort in, whether it is making the drinks, making the lunches,'' said <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-david-warner-hits-166-as-australia-rack-up-381-against-bangladesh-229016&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjf0ae2oInjAhULa94KHXJmDkUQFjAIegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ajJzv8ta5EITyTV0s3WlU">Warner</a>.

"People's parents, my mum, my dad coming down, it is just great. You can't take that for granted. I am just grateful for the second opportunity to come back here and represent my country and do the country proud. You know I am just excited to be back here and playing World Cup cricket for Australia," added Warner.

Australia's next match is back at Lord's on Saturday against New Zealand, who they beat in the final to win the 2015 World Cup.

David Warner says he's living the dream playing for Australia at the World Cup and no amount of booing from England fans eager to remind him of his one-year ban for ball tampering is going to spoil his mood.

David Warner says he's living the dream playing for Australia at the World Cup and no amount of booing from England fans eager to remind him of his one-year ban for ball tampering is going to spoil his mood. The left-handed batsman shared an opening stand of 123 with his captain Aaron Finch as the defending champions beat hosts and pre-tournament favourites England at Lord's on Tuesday to book a place in the semi-finals. It was Warner's seventh match for Australia after returning from the ban for his part in the Newlands scandal and his innings of 53 runs took his tournament tally to 500 at an average of 83.33. There were boos for Warner and his former captain Steve Smith when they took the field but the 32-year-old from the tough southeastern Sydney suburbs was not letting it bother him. "At the end of the day. People have the right to come in here, they pay their dollars and if they want to boo us, they can. As I said before, I thrive on that stuff, I love it. I went out to the corner there... and copped it ," Warner told reporters at Lord's. "At the end of the day you have to smile -- they pay their money to come and watch us and we are grateful for them to come and sit down and watch us. I always just smile. I take my glasses off and look everyone in the eye and just smile,'' Warner said. "That is what it's about, I am living the dream, I am out here at Lord's, playing cricket for my country," he added. Warner said 12 months out of international cricket and returning to his Randwick-Petersham club had effected a change in his outlook on his sport. "For me, it is about enjoying the game. When it is taken away from you, you realise what it is all about. Going back to grassroots was fantastic," he said. "I really saw smiles on people's faces to be out there on a Saturday afternoon, all the volunteers that come down and put time and effort in, whether it is making the drinks, making the lunches,'' said Warner. "People's parents, my mum, my dad coming down, it is just great. You can't take that for granted. I am just grateful for the second opportunity to come back here and represent my country and do the country proud. You know I am just excited to be back here and playing World Cup cricket for Australia," added Warner. Australia's next match is back at Lord's on Saturday against New Zealand, who they beat in the final to win the 2015 World Cup.

World Cup: I thrive on crowd booing, I love it, says Australia's David Warner

Australia <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-32-england-vs-australia-230276">confirmed their place in the semi-finals</a> of the Cricket World Cup on Tuesday with a comprehensive 64-run victory against England.

Australian skipper Aaron Finch made exactly 100 in a total of 285-7 before England slumped to 221 all out with 32 balls left.

The recalled Behrendorff took 5-44 -- his first five-wicket haul in a one-day international -- while Starc became the leading bowler at the tournament with 19 scalps thanks to a haul of 4-43.

For England, who entered the showpiece event as the top-ranked side in ODI cricket, this was a second straight defeat after their shock 20-run loss to Sri Lanka.

The host nation, bidding to win a first World Cup title, can still qualify for the semi-finals but they are likely to need to beat at least one of India and New Zealand in their remaining two group games.

"There are teams that you have confidence playing against but I have had plenty of low scores against England as well," said man-of-the-match Finch.

"It was nipping around first thing. We were as tight as we could be and then took advantage of any width."

Match in number:
<img alt="Match 32" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1c0ef42c-b04d-483c-889c-236be8d6de3b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/match%2032.jpg" />
England's reply saw them lose a wicket off just the second ball of their chase, with the struggling James Vince -- only playing because Jason Roy was out with a hamstring injury -- bowled by a Behrendorff inswinger.

Starc then took two wickets in nine balls.

Test skipper Joe Root was plumb lbw to an inswinger for eight before England captain Eoin Morgan (four) fell into a hooking trap when a top-edge was held safely by Pat Cummins at fine leg.

Australia, who had lost 10 of their previous 11 ODIS against England, were in complete charge with the hosts now 26-3.

England have surged to the top of the ODI rankings on the back of aggressive run-scoring but the worry for Morgan's men is that too many of their top-order appear to know only one way to bat.

Careless England

Jonny Bairstow, for example, fell next to a careless hook off Behrendorff before Stokes and Jos Buttler (25) repaired some of the damage with a fifth-wicket stand of 71.

Buttler was well caught by Usman Khawaja, running round and staying just inside the deep square leg boundary off Marcus Stoinis.

Stokes defiantly hit Glenn Maxwell for two sixes in three balls but, shortly before completing his fifty, the all-rounder pulled up with a calf injury.

Starc was brought back to take a key wicket and duly obliged with a thunderbolt yorker, his 18th wicket of the tournament, that ended Stokes's 115-ball innings of 89, including eight fours and two sixes.&nbsp;

Stokes's dismissal left England 177-6 in the 37th over and effectively ended the contest. Starc ended the match when he dismissed Adil Rashid.

Here's the points table:

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan fans, how does this table look?!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> <a href="https://t.co/LOOWRAGXHH">pic.twitter.com/LOOWRAGXHH</a>
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/1143568289144233984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Earlier Finch, dropped on 15, and fellow opener David Warner (53) came through some testing early overs to share a stand of 123 as too many of England's pacemen, with the exception of Chris Woakes, dropped short. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The skipper's exit sparked a late flurry of wickets but Australia had enough runs on the board.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC15?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC15</a> 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 v 🇦🇺 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AaronFinch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AaronFinch</a> 💯 
Mitchell Starc four-for 
🇦🇺 win<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 v 🇦🇺 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AaronFinch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AaronFinch</a> 💯 
Mitchell Starc four-for 
🇦🇺 win <a href="https://t.co/q9kUmo8k3q">pic.twitter.com/q9kUmo8k3q</a>
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/1143573290562314240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Both Warner, the World Cup's leading run-scorer, and Steve Smith were booed as they entered and exited the field following their recent return from year-long bans for ball-tampering.&nbsp;

Finch went to his century thanks to a misfield by Woakes but next ball he miscued a hook off Jofra Archer and Woakes held the catch at fine leg.&nbsp;

The skipper faced 116 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes in his second century of this World Cup following his 153 against Sri Lanka.

Australia confirmed their place in the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup on Tuesday with a comprehensive 64-run victory against England. Australian skipper Aaron Finch made exactly 100 in a total of 285-7 before England slumped to 221 all out with 32 balls left.

Australia confirmed their place in the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup on Tuesday with a comprehensive 64-run victory against England. Australian skipper Aaron Finch made exactly 100 in a total of 285-7 before England slumped to 221 all out with 32 balls left. The recalled Behrendorff took 5-44 -- his first five-wicket haul in a one-day international -- while Starc became the leading bowler at the tournament with 19 scalps thanks to a haul of 4-43. For England, who entered the showpiece event as the top-ranked side in ODI cricket, this was a second straight defeat after their shock 20-run loss to Sri Lanka. The host nation, bidding to win a first World Cup title, can still qualify for the semi-finals but they are likely to need to beat at least one of India and New Zealand in their remaining two group games. "There are teams that you have confidence playing against but I have had plenty of low scores against England as well," said man-of-the-match Finch. "It was nipping around first thing. We were as tight as we could be and then took advantage of any width." Match in number: England's reply saw them lose a wicket off just the second ball of their chase, with the struggling James Vince -- only playing because Jason Roy was out with a hamstring injury -- bowled by a Behrendorff inswinger. Starc then took two wickets in nine balls. Test skipper Joe Root was plumb lbw to an inswinger for eight before England captain Eoin Morgan (four) fell into a hooking trap when a top-edge was held safely by Pat Cummins at fine leg. Australia, who had lost 10 of their previous 11 ODIS against England, were in complete charge with the hosts now 26-3. England have surged to the top of the ODI rankings on the back of aggressive run-scoring but the worry for Morgan's men is that too many of their top-order appear to know only one way to bat. Careless England Jonny Bairstow, for example, fell next to a careless hook off Behrendorff before Stokes and Jos Buttler (25) repaired some of the damage with a fifth-wicket stand of 71. Buttler was well caught by Usman Khawaja, running round and staying just inside the deep square leg boundary off Marcus Stoinis. Stokes defiantly hit Glenn Maxwell for two sixes in three balls but, shortly before completing his fifty, the all-rounder pulled up with a calf injury. Starc was brought back to take a key wicket and duly obliged with a thunderbolt yorker, his 18th wicket of the tournament, that ended Stokes's 115-ball innings of 89, including eight fours and two sixes. Stokes's dismissal left England 177-6 in the 37th over and effectively ended the contest. Starc ended the match when he dismissed Adil Rashid. Here's the points table: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan fans, how does this table look?!#CWC19 pic.twitter.com/LOOWRAGXHH — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 25, 2019 × Earlier Finch, dropped on 15, and fellow opener David Warner (53) came through some testing early overs to share a stand of 123 as too many of England's pacemen, with the exception of Chris Woakes, dropped short. The skipper's exit sparked a late flurry of wickets but Australia had enough runs on the board. #CWC15 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 v 🇦🇺 #AaronFinch 💯 Mitchell Starc four-for 🇦🇺 win#CWC19 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 v 🇦🇺 #AaronFinch 💯 Mitchell Starc four-for 🇦🇺 win pic.twitter.com/q9kUmo8k3q — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 25, 2019 × Both Warner, the World Cup's leading run-scorer, and Steve Smith were booed as they entered and exited the field following their recent return from year-long bans for ball-tampering. Finch went to his century thanks to a misfield by Woakes but next ball he miscued a hook off Jofra Archer and Woakes held the catch at fine leg. The skipper faced 116 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes in his second century of this World Cup following his 153 against Sri Lanka.

World Cup: Australia reach semis with 64-run win over arch-rivals England

Australian captain Aaron Finch said that the team is not thinking about entering the semi-final of Cricket World Cup 2019.&nbsp;

Defending champions Australia reached atop of 10-team points table a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-david-warner-shines-as-australia-beat-bangladesh-by-48-runs-229110">fter defeating&nbsp;Bangladesh by 48 runs</a> on Thursday at Trent Bridge.&nbsp;

Opener David Warner scored a century inspire Australia towards victory.&nbsp;

Australia are&nbsp;steadily inching closer towards the semi-finals with 10 points gained in six games they have played so far. &nbsp;

"Not yet thinking about semis. Hopefully, we will secure a place in the top four," said Finch.&nbsp;

The five-time world champions have three games in hand.&nbsp;

"We have guys who have World Cup experience. Having good partnerships with bat and ball is important," Finch said.

During the match against Bangladesh, Australia were uncharacteristically sloppy in the field and the captain expressed his disappointment.&nbsp;

"It was disappointing actually. We always pride ourselves on our fielding and we were quite sloppy despite the wet conditions at the beginning. No excuses there," Finch said.&nbsp;

Australian captain Aaron Finch said that the team is not thinking about entering the semi-final of Cricket World Cup 2019. Defending champions Australia reached atop of 10-team points table after defeating Bangladesh by 48 runs on Thursday at Trent Bridge.

Australian captain Aaron Finch said that the team is not thinking about entering the semi-final of Cricket World Cup 2019. Defending champions Australia reached atop of 10-team points table after defeating Bangladesh by 48 runs on Thursday at Trent Bridge. Opener David Warner scored a century inspire Australia towards victory. Australia are steadily inching closer towards the semi-finals with 10 points gained in six games they have played so far. "Not yet thinking about semis. Hopefully, we will secure a place in the top four," said Finch. The five-time world champions have three games in hand. "We have guys who have World Cup experience. Having good partnerships with bat and ball is important," Finch said. During the match against Bangladesh, Australia were uncharacteristically sloppy in the field and the captain expressed his disappointment. "It was disappointing actually. We always pride ourselves on our fielding and we were quite sloppy despite the wet conditions at the beginning. No excuses there," Finch said.

World Cup: 'Not thinking about semi-finals yet,' says Australian skipper Aaron Finch

In-form opener David Warner hit 166, the highest score of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, as Australia racked up 381&nbsp;against Bangladesh at Trent Bridge on Thursday as rain forced the teams off early with six balls remaining.

Warner, whose second century took his tournament-leading tally to 447 and captain Aaron Finch, with 396 to his name, yet again laid the platform with a carefully-constructed opening stand of 121.

Usman Khawaja added 89, though not at a speed Australian fans would have wanted as the pace slowed before Glenn Maxwell picked it up by smashing 32 from 14 balls before being run out.

Soumya Sarkar was the best of the Bangladesh bowlers, taking three for 58 in eight overs, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-australias-injured-marcus-stoinis-has-a-chance-to-play-against-bangladesh-228574">Marcus Stoinis</a> and Alex Carey still at the crease before a heavy shower ended the action prematurely.

Having chased down 322 with eight overs to spare against the West Indies on Monday week and with Trent Bridge a traditionally high-scoring venue, Bangladesh will have some hope of claiming the victory they almost certainly need to maintain their hopes of reaching the semi-finals.

In-form opener David Warner hit 166, the highest score of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, as Australia racked up 381 against Bangladesh at Trent Bridge on Thursday as rain forced the teams off early with six balls remaining.

In-form opener David Warner hit 166, the highest score of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, as Australia racked up 381 against Bangladesh at Trent Bridge on Thursday as rain forced the teams off early with six balls remaining. Warner, whose second century took his tournament-leading tally to 447 and captain Aaron Finch, with 396 to his name, yet again laid the platform with a carefully-constructed opening stand of 121. Usman Khawaja added 89, though not at a speed Australian fans would have wanted as the pace slowed before Glenn Maxwell picked it up by smashing 32 from 14 balls before being run out. Soumya Sarkar was the best of the Bangladesh bowlers, taking three for 58 in eight overs, with Marcus Stoinis and Alex Carey still at the crease before a heavy shower ended the action prematurely. Having chased down 322 with eight overs to spare against the West Indies on Monday week and with Trent Bridge a traditionally high-scoring venue, Bangladesh will have some hope of claiming the victory they almost certainly need to maintain their hopes of reaching the semi-finals.

World Cup: David Warner hits 166 as Australia rack up 381 against Bangladesh

After all-rounder <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-marcus-stoinis-ruled-out-of-australias-clash-against-sri-lanka-226259&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwibi__g7_LiAhVBVH0KHUIrB10QFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1DGqRbkaHf9WZVW-Uxfy61">Marcus Stoinis'&nbsp;injury</a>, the Australian side are facing major challenges in choosing their playing XI as assistant coach Brad Haddin said that they are still finding their best.

"At the moment, we're still trying to find that best XI. Marcus'&nbsp;has thrown a spanner into everything there with his injury and how important an allrounder is. We're still trying to find what works best for us. Come later in the tournament, we'll start to understand what the conditions are like a lot better and what ... our best XI (is).

At the moment, we're not settled on our best XI," Cricket.com.au quoted Haddin as saying.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-australias-final-call-on-injured-marcus-stoinis-next-week-says-aaron-finch-227292&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwibi__g7_LiAhVBVH0KHUIrB10QFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw06u4KKFIccyJfy8xWyAXk_">Stoinis </a>picked a left side strain while bowling during his team's match against India on 9 June.

Keeping the seriousness of the injury in mind, the team has called Mitch Marsh to London, who will join the squad as cover.

Haddin further added that they are making sure that each and every player is ready to deliver whenever the team needs.

"One of the things we spoke to the squad about is we need to be a flexible squad to win a World Cup. The players understand that and we're training them accordingly. We make sure each and every player is ready for game day," he said.

Haddin also backed Usman Khawaja, who has not been able to leave a mark on the field so far, saying that he has been in a role where there are lesser opportunities.

"He's playing a different role. It's not that he's not having success, he's been in a role where he's had limited opportunities. Before he could go out and set the pace of the innings and now the innings is dictating the role he needs to play. He's been okay with it - he's a class act. He's had little cameos throughout ... We're pretty happy with where he's at. He's just got to bat (according to) the situation," &nbsp;said.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-allan-border-backs-defending-champs-australia-to-keep-building-momentum-226766&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi96bmB8PLiAhXLro8KHZK8AjwQFjAEegQIDBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3HTjH_WabsBJ5GeqJS54_A">The defending champion</a>s will now face Bangladesh for their next World Cup clash on June 20.

After all-rounder Marcus Stoinis' injury, the Australian side are facing major challenges in choosing their playing XI as assistant coach Brad Haddin said that they are still finding their best.

After all-rounder Marcus Stoinis' injury, the Australian side are facing major challenges in choosing their playing XI as assistant coach Brad Haddin said that they are still finding their best. "At the moment, we're still trying to find that best XI. Marcus' has thrown a spanner into everything there with his injury and how important an allrounder is. We're still trying to find what works best for us. Come later in the tournament, we'll start to understand what the conditions are like a lot better and what ... our best XI (is). At the moment, we're not settled on our best XI," Cricket.com.au quoted Haddin as saying. Stoinis picked a left side strain while bowling during his team's match against India on 9 June. Keeping the seriousness of the injury in mind, the team has called Mitch Marsh to London, who will join the squad as cover. Haddin further added that they are making sure that each and every player is ready to deliver whenever the team needs. "One of the things we spoke to the squad about is we need to be a flexible squad to win a World Cup. The players understand that and we're training them accordingly. We make sure each and every player is ready for game day," he said. Haddin also backed Usman Khawaja, who has not been able to leave a mark on the field so far, saying that he has been in a role where there are lesser opportunities. "He's playing a different role. It's not that he's not having success, he's been in a role where he's had limited opportunities. Before he could go out and set the pace of the innings and now the innings is dictating the role he needs to play. He's been okay with it - he's a class act. He's had little cameos throughout ... We're pretty happy with where he's at. He's just got to bat (according to) the situation," said. The defending champions will now face Bangladesh for their next World Cup clash on June 20.

World Cup: Australia finding it hard to find their best XI after Marcus Stoinis' injury

Australia captain Aaron Finch and pace bowler Mitchell Starc stole the show as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-20-sri-lanka-vs-australia-227294">holders eased to an 87-run win over Sri Lanka</a> at the Oval on Saturday.

Finch equalled his career-best one-day international score with a masterful 153 and Steve Smith chipped in with 73 as Australia scored 334-7.

Needing a World Cup record run-chase to claim a shock win, Sri Lanka got off to a flying start thanks to a first-wicket partnership of 115 between captain Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Perera.

But Perera departed for 52 and when Karunaratne fell on 97 the game swung back in Australia's direction.

Starc was the catalyst with a fiery spell of three wickets in six balls, Australia eventually dismissing Sri Lanka for 247 thanks in large part to his 4-55 from 10 overs.

Kane Richardson added three wickets of his own as Australia made it four wins from their five group matches after previously beating Afghanistan, the West Indies and Pakistan.

Their lone defeat in the 10-team tournament came against India and their latest victory puts them well on course for a semi-final berth.

Sri Lanka, who lost their last seven wickets for 42 runs, have only one win from their five matches, a disappointing run that includes two washouts.

They face a struggle to reach the semi-finals with only four matches left, a spell that features encounters with title contenders England and India.

Sri Lanka had briefly looked capable of surpassing the World Cup chase set by Ireland, who made 329-7 to beat England in 2011.

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Karunaratne and his opening partner Perera blasted 24 from the first two overs and reached their fifty partnership in just the seventh over.

But Starc bowled Perera and Jason Behrendorff dismissed Lahiru Thirimanne for 16 as Australia hit back.

Starc turns the screw

A six from Kusal Mendis in the 31st over signalled Sri Lanka's intent to get cracking.

But crucially Karunaratne stumbled short of his maiden World Cup century when he carelessly flicked Richardson to Glenn Maxwell at backward point.

That left Sri Lanka 186-3 and set the stage for Starc to turn the screw by dismissing Milinda Siriwardana, Thisara Perera and Mendis in quick succession.

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Mendis's mistimed drive off Starc reduced Sri Lanka to 222-7 and shattered their resistance.

Earlier, Finch took the Sri Lanka attack apart with a dazzling display that included 15 fours and five sixes.

He was well-supported by Smith's 73 from 59 balls and the pair put on 173 runs for the third wicket.

Together with opening partner David Warner, Finch took the attack to the Sri Lankans after being put in to bat under cloudy skies in south London.

The pair passed fifty for the opening wicket for the fourth time in five games at the World Cup.

Sri Lanka had no answer to Finch's brutal assault and by the time he departed, caught by Karunaratne off Isuru Udana, he had put Australia in a commanding position.&nbsp;

Maxwell's quick-fire 46 from 25 balls rubbed salt into Sri Lanka's wounds.

Australia captain Aaron Finch and pace bowler Mitchell Starc stole the show as the holders eased to an 87-run win over Sri Lanka at the Oval on Saturday. Finch equalled his career-best one-day international score with a masterful 153 and Steve Smith chipped in with 73 as Australia scored 334-7.

Australia captain Aaron Finch and pace bowler Mitchell Starc stole the show as the holders eased to an 87-run win over Sri Lanka at the Oval on Saturday. Finch equalled his career-best one-day international score with a masterful 153 and Steve Smith chipped in with 73 as Australia scored 334-7. Needing a World Cup record run-chase to claim a shock win, Sri Lanka got off to a flying start thanks to a first-wicket partnership of 115 between captain Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Perera. But Perera departed for 52 and when Karunaratne fell on 97 the game swung back in Australia's direction. Starc was the catalyst with a fiery spell of three wickets in six balls, Australia eventually dismissing Sri Lanka for 247 thanks in large part to his 4-55 from 10 overs. Kane Richardson added three wickets of his own as Australia made it four wins from their five group matches after previously beating Afghanistan, the West Indies and Pakistan. Their lone defeat in the 10-team tournament came against India and their latest victory puts them well on course for a semi-final berth. Sri Lanka, who lost their last seven wickets for 42 runs, have only one win from their five matches, a disappointing run that includes two washouts. They face a struggle to reach the semi-finals with only four matches left, a spell that features encounters with title contenders England and India. Sri Lanka had briefly looked capable of surpassing the World Cup chase set by Ireland, who made 329-7 to beat England in 2011. Karunaratne and his opening partner Perera blasted 24 from the first two overs and reached their fifty partnership in just the seventh over. But Starc bowled Perera and Jason Behrendorff dismissed Lahiru Thirimanne for 16 as Australia hit back. Starc turns the screw A six from Kusal Mendis in the 31st over signalled Sri Lanka's intent to get cracking. But crucially Karunaratne stumbled short of his maiden World Cup century when he carelessly flicked Richardson to Glenn Maxwell at backward point. That left Sri Lanka 186-3 and set the stage for Starc to turn the screw by dismissing Milinda Siriwardana, Thisara Perera and Mendis in quick succession. 1987 🏆 1999 🏆 2003 🏆 2007 🏆 2015 🏆 2019 ❓ pic.twitter.com/iXq53lqUx1 — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 15, 2019 × Mendis's mistimed drive off Starc reduced Sri Lanka to 222-7 and shattered their resistance. Earlier, Finch took the Sri Lanka attack apart with a dazzling display that included 15 fours and five sixes. He was well-supported by Smith's 73 from 59 balls and the pair put on 173 runs for the third wicket. Together with opening partner David Warner, Finch took the attack to the Sri Lankans after being put in to bat under cloudy skies in south London. The pair passed fifty for the opening wicket for the fourth time in five games at the World Cup. Sri Lanka had no answer to Finch's brutal assault and by the time he departed, caught by Karunaratne off Isuru Udana, he had put Australia in a commanding position. Maxwell's quick-fire 46 from 25 balls rubbed salt into Sri Lanka's wounds.

World Cup: Aaron Finch and Mitchell Starc guide Australia's 87-run win over Sri Lanka

Australia will take a final call on injured all-rounder Marcus Stoinis' fate in the World Cup ahead of their next week's match against Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Stoinis, who has suffered a side strain that is preventing him from bowling, will be travelling with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-beware-of-david-warner-as-he-is-nearing-his-best-says-ricky-ponting-227160">Australian </a>squad to Nottingham -&nbsp;the venue for their next match -&nbsp;and the final decision on whether he would remain in the World Cup would be taken there.&nbsp;

Skipper Aaron Finch said Mitchell Marsh, who is on standby and has started training, would be ready if he is included into the official squad.

"Yeah, that's why he's here ... But as a bit of a precaution more than anything, if <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-marcus-stoinis-ruled-out-of-australias-clash-against-sri-lanka-226259&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjl_O_miOviAhWGN48KHYswCdkQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1J0JJ-qhiGM7CN5EgRkOnW">Stoinis </a>doesn't recover well enough over the next couple of days," Finch was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald.&nbsp;

"There is confidence that Mitch will come in and do well if selected if Stoinis doesn't recover properly," he added.

Finch admitted that injury to an all-rounder upsets the balance of a side.&nbsp;

"Yeah, it's tough when guys, especially all-rounders who balance out your side really well and give you that extra fast-bowling option, as well as a top-six batter, (are out). So it's a little bit difficult trying to decide whether you go the extra batter or the extra bowler, depending on conditions," Finch said.

"So I think it does make it a little bit tougher, a bit more of a challenge, no doubt. But we also did plan for that, if it did happen throughout the tournament. So it wasn't a total surprise. Obviously, it's not ideal, but it's not a surprise to us because we had already thought about things like that. But just game to game, it totally changes depending on the conditions," he added.

Australia will take a final call on injured all-rounder Marcus Stoinis' fate in the World Cup ahead of their next week's match against Bangladesh. Stoinis, who has suffered a side strain that is preventing him from bowling, will be travelling with the Australian squad to Nottingham - the venue for their next match - and the final decision on whether he would remain in the World Cup would be taken there.

Australia will take a final call on injured all-rounder Marcus Stoinis' fate in the World Cup ahead of their next week's match against Bangladesh. Stoinis, who has suffered a side strain that is preventing him from bowling, will be travelling with the Australian squad to Nottingham - the venue for their next match - and the final decision on whether he would remain in the World Cup would be taken there. Skipper Aaron Finch said Mitchell Marsh, who is on standby and has started training, would be ready if he is included into the official squad. "Yeah, that's why he's here ... But as a bit of a precaution more than anything, if Stoinis doesn't recover well enough over the next couple of days," Finch was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald. "There is confidence that Mitch will come in and do well if selected if Stoinis doesn't recover properly," he added. Finch admitted that injury to an all-rounder upsets the balance of a side. "Yeah, it's tough when guys, especially all-rounders who balance out your side really well and give you that extra fast-bowling option, as well as a top-six batter, (are out). So it's a little bit difficult trying to decide whether you go the extra batter or the extra bowler, depending on conditions," Finch said. "So I think it does make it a little bit tougher, a bit more of a challenge, no doubt. But we also did plan for that, if it did happen throughout the tournament. So it wasn't a total surprise. Obviously, it's not ideal, but it's not a surprise to us because we had already thought about things like that. But just game to game, it totally changes depending on the conditions," he added.

World Cup: Australia's final call on injured Marcus Stoinis next week, says Aaron Finch

Players to watch out for in Australia vs Pakistan clash at World Cup

After Australia faced their first defeat in the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, team's assistant coach Ricky Ponting admitted that it was their batting which was not up to the mark.

"Our batting was just a little bit off again. We seemed to find the field a lot in the first 10 overs," Cricket.com.au quoted Ponting as saying.

Chasing a mammoth<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-shikhar-dhawan-shines-as-india-beat-holders-australia-by-36-runs-225791"> target of 353 runs set by India</a>, Australia skipper Aaron Finch, who opened the inning with David Warner, got run out in the 14th over after scoring 36 runs.

Ponting feels that Finch's run out happened at a really crucial time as the team had just started to get momentum.

"The run out happened at a really crucial time (the 14th over). The momentum had just started to turn there, Finchy had started to find the boundary a bit more frequently," he said.

India opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan hammered a ton while the skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-had-a-point-to-prove-against-australia-says-virat-kohli-225792">Virat Kohli</a> also added 82 runs on the board to help their side post a big target for Australia.

Ponting stated that they also needed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-shikhar-dhawan-ruled-out-for-three-weeks-due-to-injury-226202">Dhawan</a>-like inning in their top-order and that would have had put them in the game.

"We just needed someone at the top to go on and make a big hundred like Dhawan did and we would have been right in the game," Ponting said.

Despite all this, Ponting still has full faith in both the openers as he said,&nbsp;"Finch and Warner are probably as good as openers in the world. Finchy has turned things around really well in the last five or six months, Davey coming back has made runs. By his own admission today, (Warner) probably wasn't at his absolute best. He hit the field too often early on and wasn't able to rotate as he would have liked."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-steve-smiths-reaction-when-virat-kohli-stopped-indian-fans-from-booing-him-225897">Steve Smith</a> came out to bat before Usman Khawaja and Ponting backed this decision by saying that they wanted a right-hand, left-hand combination during India's perilous spin attack.

"We wanted to have (favourable) left-hand, right-hand (match-ups) with those spinners and we thought Steven plays spin as well as anybody, so that was the only reason. It happens quite a lot in the modern game where you see that right-hand, left-hand combination, especially if they've got a lot of spin," he said.

After Australia faced their first defeat in the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, team's assistant coach Ricky Ponting admitted that it was their batting which was not up to the mark.

After Australia faced their first defeat in the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, team's assistant coach Ricky Ponting admitted that it was their batting which was not up to the mark. "Our batting was just a little bit off again. We seemed to find the field a lot in the first 10 overs," Cricket.com.au quoted Ponting as saying. Chasing a mammoth target of 353 runs set by India, Australia skipper Aaron Finch, who opened the inning with David Warner, got run out in the 14th over after scoring 36 runs. Ponting feels that Finch's run out happened at a really crucial time as the team had just started to get momentum. "The run out happened at a really crucial time (the 14th over). The momentum had just started to turn there, Finchy had started to find the boundary a bit more frequently," he said. India opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan hammered a ton while the skipper Virat Kohli also added 82 runs on the board to help their side post a big target for Australia. Ponting stated that they also needed a Dhawan-like inning in their top-order and that would have had put them in the game. "We just needed someone at the top to go on and make a big hundred like Dhawan did and we would have been right in the game," Ponting said. Despite all this, Ponting still has full faith in both the openers as he said, "Finch and Warner are probably as good as openers in the world. Finchy has turned things around really well in the last five or six months, Davey coming back has made runs. By his own admission today, (Warner) probably wasn't at his absolute best. He hit the field too often early on and wasn't able to rotate as he would have liked." Steve Smith came out to bat before Usman Khawaja and Ponting backed this decision by saying that they wanted a right-hand, left-hand combination during India's perilous spin attack. "We wanted to have (favourable) left-hand, right-hand (match-ups) with those spinners and we thought Steven plays spin as well as anybody, so that was the only reason. It happens quite a lot in the modern game where you see that right-hand, left-hand combination, especially if they've got a lot of spin," he said.

World Cup: 'Our batting was little bit off', says Ricky Ponting after Australia's defeat against India

India captain Virat&nbsp;Kohli&nbsp;wants cricket's authorities to look into the issue of cricket bails not being knocked off by the ball thanks to new technology.

Australia opener David Warner became the fifth batsman at the World Cup to get an unexpected reprieve after he dragged a ball on to his stump but the impact failed to dislodge the zing bails in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-shikhar-dhawan-shines-as-india-beat-holders-australia-by-36-runs-225791">Sunday's match against India</a>.

The southpaw was on one when he inside-edged a Jasprit Bumrah delivery on to his leg stump but much to his delight the bails did not come off.

"I haven't seen that happen so many times in the past,"&nbsp;Kohli&nbsp;told reporters at a briefing.

"I'm sure no team would like seeing stuff like that when you actually bowl a good ball and then you don't get the guy out, the ball hits the stump and the lights don't come on, or the lights come on and the bail comes back on to the stump."

Zing bails –- which contain lights that flash when the ball strikes the wicket –- have been a sore point in the current World Cup.

South Africa's Quinton de Kock, Sri Lankan Dimuth Karunaratne, West Indian Chris Gayle and Mohammad Saifuddin of Bangladesh have already enjoyed similar luck at this World Cup but several former players felt it was harsh on the bowlers.

"This can’t keep happening with the bails!!! Hard enough being a bowler nowadays... needs changing," tweeted former England captain Nasser Hussain.

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar also took to Twitter to express his dismay.

"What's going on?? In my entire life, I have not seen five instances like this, let alone in the space of 10 days or a tournament," he wrote.

On the eve of the match against India, Australia captain Aaron Finch said the zing bails appeared to need a bigger impact to be dislodged from their grooves.

"The bails seem to be a lot heavier, so it does take a bit of force," he said on Saturday, pointing to similar cases during the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 competition.

"I've seen it a handful of times now in IPL and Big Bash where the ball rolls back on to the stumps, where the bails traditionally one of them will pop off.

"I think it's just one of those things that you are aware of that when you're on the right side of it, you are aware of it a bit easier than when you're not."

India captain Virat Kohli wants cricket's authorities to look into the issue of cricket bails not being knocked off by the ball thanks to new technology. Australia opener David Warner became the fifth batsman at the World Cup to get an unexpected reprieve after he dragged a ball on to his stump but the impact failed to dislodge the zing bails in Sunday's match against India.

India captain Virat Kohli wants cricket's authorities to look into the issue of cricket bails not being knocked off by the ball thanks to new technology. Australia opener David Warner became the fifth batsman at the World Cup to get an unexpected reprieve after he dragged a ball on to his stump but the impact failed to dislodge the zing bails in Sunday's match against India. The southpaw was on one when he inside-edged a Jasprit Bumrah delivery on to his leg stump but much to his delight the bails did not come off. "I haven't seen that happen so many times in the past," Kohli told reporters at a briefing. "I'm sure no team would like seeing stuff like that when you actually bowl a good ball and then you don't get the guy out, the ball hits the stump and the lights don't come on, or the lights come on and the bail comes back on to the stump." Zing bails –- which contain lights that flash when the ball strikes the wicket –- have been a sore point in the current World Cup. South Africa's Quinton de Kock, Sri Lankan Dimuth Karunaratne, West Indian Chris Gayle and Mohammad Saifuddin of Bangladesh have already enjoyed similar luck at this World Cup but several former players felt it was harsh on the bowlers. "This can’t keep happening with the bails!!! Hard enough being a bowler nowadays... needs changing," tweeted former England captain Nasser Hussain. Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar also took to Twitter to express his dismay. "What's going on?? In my entire life, I have not seen five instances like this, let alone in the space of 10 days or a tournament," he wrote. On the eve of the match against India, Australia captain Aaron Finch said the zing bails appeared to need a bigger impact to be dislodged from their grooves. "The bails seem to be a lot heavier, so it does take a bit of force," he said on Saturday, pointing to similar cases during the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 competition. "I've seen it a handful of times now in IPL and Big Bash where the ball rolls back on to the stumps, where the bails traditionally one of them will pop off. "I think it's just one of those things that you are aware of that when you're on the right side of it, you are aware of it a bit easier than when you're not."

World Cup: Virat Kohli unhappy with 'zing' bails after David Warner reprieve

Australian captain Aaron Finch had to defuse a potential controversy after Australia spinner Adam Zampa faced allegations of ball- tampering after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-shikhar-dhawan-shines-as-india-beat-holders-australia-by-36-runs-225791">India beat Australia by 36 runs</a> at the Oval in London.

Zampa was pictured during the India match putting his hand into his pocket and then rubbing the ball several times.

The incident came just a year after Australia stars Warner and Steve Smith, as well as team-mate Cameron Bancroft were banned for their roles in a ball-tampering scheme during a Test in South Africa.

On this occasion, Finch insisted Zampa was using hand-warmers he had put in his pocket, as he apparently does for every match.

"I haven't seen the photos, so I can't comment on them. I know for a fact he has hand warmers in his pocket. He has them in every single game he plays," Finch said.

Adam Zampa was reprimanded earlier by the International Cricket Council(ICC) for using an "audible obscenity" in Australia's battling 15-run World Cup win over the West Indies.

Leg-spinner Zampa admitted to the level-one offence and one demerit point has been added to his disciplinary record. Leg-spinner Zampa admitted to the level-one offence and one demerit point has been added to his disciplinary record.&nbsp;

When a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points and a player is banned.

Meanwhile, India captain<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/booing-smith-not-acceptable-i-said-sorry-to-him-on-behalf-of-the-crowd-kohli-225807"> Virat Kohli insisted </a>it was "not acceptable" for his side's fans to boo Steve Smith during the team's World Cup victory over Australia in London on Sunday.

Both Smith and fellow Australia batsman David Warner have been on the receiving end of jeers from opposition fans at the World Cup following their return to the international arena after serving year-long bans for their respective roles during a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. &nbsp;

Australian captain Aaron Finch had to defuse a potential controversy after Australia spinner Adam Zampa faced allegations of ball- tampering after India beat Australia by 36 runs at the Oval in London.

Australian captain Aaron Finch had to defuse a potential controversy after Australia spinner Adam Zampa faced allegations of ball- tampering after India beat Australia by 36 runs at the Oval in London. Zampa was pictured during the India match putting his hand into his pocket and then rubbing the ball several times. The incident came just a year after Australia stars Warner and Steve Smith, as well as team-mate Cameron Bancroft were banned for their roles in a ball-tampering scheme during a Test in South Africa. On this occasion, Finch insisted Zampa was using hand-warmers he had put in his pocket, as he apparently does for every match. "I haven't seen the photos, so I can't comment on them. I know for a fact he has hand warmers in his pocket. He has them in every single game he plays," Finch said. Adam Zampa was reprimanded earlier by the International Cricket Council(ICC) for using an "audible obscenity" in Australia's battling 15-run World Cup win over the West Indies. Leg-spinner Zampa admitted to the level-one offence and one demerit point has been added to his disciplinary record. Leg-spinner Zampa admitted to the level-one offence and one demerit point has been added to his disciplinary record. When a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points and a player is banned. Meanwhile, India captain Virat Kohli insisted it was "not acceptable" for his side's fans to boo Steve Smith during the team's World Cup victory over Australia in London on Sunday. Both Smith and fellow Australia batsman David Warner have been on the receiving end of jeers from opposition fans at the World Cup following their return to the international arena after serving year-long bans for their respective roles during a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

Zampa hand warmers row: Finch defends spinner over ball tampering allegation

Australia captain, Aaron Finch, was asked about accusations on social media regarding Adam Zampa allegedly ball tampering in Australia's 36-run defeat to India in the Cricket World Cup on Sunday.

Finch responds to Zampa ball tampering accusations, as Kohli hails India victory

Nathan Coulter-Nile's record-breaking innings laid the platform for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-10-australia-vs-west-indies-224922">Australia's 15-run victory over the West Indies</a> on Thursday as the World Cup holders bounced back from a top-order collapse to make it two successive wins.

Australia were in dire straits at 38 for four after the West Indies fast bowlers proved too hot to handle early on at Trent Bridge.

But Coulter-Nile's career-best 92 -- the highest score by any number eight batsman or lower in a World Cup -- helped take them to 288 all out.

He carried on a recovery started by former skipper Steve Smith (73), with the pair bailing Australia out in a stand of 102 in 89 balls.

West Indies, despite a painstaking 68 from opener Shai Hope and 51 from captain Jason Holder finished on 273 for nine.

Fast bowler Mitchell Starc did the bulk of the damage with five for 46 -- the first five-wicket haul of this World Cup -- including a late burst of four for two in 11 balls -- as Australia followed up their seven-wicket win over minnows Afghanistan.

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Five-wicket hero Mitchell Starc leads the victorious Australians off the field. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> <a href="https://t.co/FanCT0Y19x">pic.twitter.com/FanCT0Y19x</a>
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The West Indies had bounced out Pakistan for just 105 when winning their tournament opener at Trent Bridge last week and adopted similar tactics against Australia after Holder won the toss.&nbsp;

Oshane Thomas had Australia captain Aaron Finch (six) caught before opening partner David Warner (three) was held at backward point off Sheldon Cottrell -- a&nbsp;wicket that saw the left-arm quick, still a member of the Jamaica Defence Force, celebrate with his trademark salute.

Australia were now 26 for two, with boos ringing out as Warner walked off and Smith walked on -- a now familiar response by crowds in England to the pair having only recently returned from year-long bans for their roles in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.&nbsp;

<img alt="Match 10" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4f32326b-12c9-4dbb-be7e-0ae354b58bc7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/match%2010.jpg" />

Coulter-Nile cashes in

Smith had a lucky break on 26 when he top-edged a hook off Holder only for Cottrell at long leg to slip as he eyed a catch.

His patient innings ended when he flicked Thomas high towards deep backward square only for Cottrell, skirting the boundary, to grab the ball one-handed, throw it back into the field of play as he stepped over the rope -- thereby avoiding a six -- and complete a sensational catch.

But Coulter-Nile cashed in as he surpassed his previous international best of 34.

His blistering assault off 60 balls featuring eight fours and four sixes also saw him beat former Zimbabwe international Heath Streak's previous World Cup best by a No 8 of 72 before, in sight of a hundred, he drove Carlos Brathwaite to Holder at long-off.

In the West Indies' run-chase, big-hitting opener Chris Gayle, having overturned two 'out' decisions, was eventually lbw to Starc for 21.

But Hope, biding his time, completed a 76-ball fifty.

Holder who overturned decisions against him on seven and 22, upped the tempo with several well-struck boundaries.

West Indies, however, suffered a huge setback when Hope chipped a Pat Cummins slower ball to mid-on.

Russell then got off the mark with a huge straight six off leg-spinner Adam Zampa that took the West Indies to 200 before he was well caught over the shoulder by Glenn Maxwell.

But as long as Holder was there the West Indies still had a chance.&nbsp;

He completed a run-a-ball fifty but trying to take on Starc, rather than wait to attack Australia's lesser bowlers, he was caught at short fine leg as the West Indies' hopes faded.

Nathan Coulter-Nile's record-breaking innings laid the platform for Australia's 15-run victory over the West Indies on Thursday as the World Cup holders bounced back from a top-order collapse to make it two successive wins.

Nathan Coulter-Nile's record-breaking innings laid the platform for Australia's 15-run victory over the West Indies on Thursday as the World Cup holders bounced back from a top-order collapse to make it two successive wins. Australia were in dire straits at 38 for four after the West Indies fast bowlers proved too hot to handle early on at Trent Bridge. But Coulter-Nile's career-best 92 -- the highest score by any number eight batsman or lower in a World Cup -- helped take them to 288 all out. He carried on a recovery started by former skipper Steve Smith (73), with the pair bailing Australia out in a stand of 102 in 89 balls. West Indies, despite a painstaking 68 from opener Shai Hope and 51 from captain Jason Holder finished on 273 for nine. Fast bowler Mitchell Starc did the bulk of the damage with five for 46 -- the first five-wicket haul of this World Cup -- including a late burst of four for two in 11 balls -- as Australia followed up their seven-wicket win over minnows Afghanistan. Five-wicket hero Mitchell Starc leads the victorious Australians off the field. #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/FanCT0Y19x — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 6, 2019 × The West Indies had bounced out Pakistan for just 105 when winning their tournament opener at Trent Bridge last week and adopted similar tactics against Australia after Holder won the toss. Oshane Thomas had Australia captain Aaron Finch (six) caught before opening partner David Warner (three) was held at backward point off Sheldon Cottrell -- a wicket that saw the left-arm quick, still a member of the Jamaica Defence Force, celebrate with his trademark salute. Australia were now 26 for two, with boos ringing out as Warner walked off and Smith walked on -- a now familiar response by crowds in England to the pair having only recently returned from year-long bans for their roles in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. Coulter-Nile cashes in Smith had a lucky break on 26 when he top-edged a hook off Holder only for Cottrell at long leg to slip as he eyed a catch. His patient innings ended when he flicked Thomas high towards deep backward square only for Cottrell, skirting the boundary, to grab the ball one-handed, throw it back into the field of play as he stepped over the rope -- thereby avoiding a six -- and complete a sensational catch. But Coulter-Nile cashed in as he surpassed his previous international best of 34. His blistering assault off 60 balls featuring eight fours and four sixes also saw him beat former Zimbabwe international Heath Streak's previous World Cup best by a No 8 of 72 before, in sight of a hundred, he drove Carlos Brathwaite to Holder at long-off. In the West Indies' run-chase, big-hitting opener Chris Gayle, having overturned two 'out' decisions, was eventually lbw to Starc for 21. But Hope, biding his time, completed a 76-ball fifty. Holder who overturned decisions against him on seven and 22, upped the tempo with several well-struck boundaries. West Indies, however, suffered a huge setback when Hope chipped a Pat Cummins slower ball to mid-on. Russell then got off the mark with a huge straight six off leg-spinner Adam Zampa that took the West Indies to 200 before he was well caught over the shoulder by Glenn Maxwell. But as long as Holder was there the West Indies still had a chance. He completed a run-a-ball fifty but trying to take on Starc, rather than wait to attack Australia's lesser bowlers, he was caught at short fine leg as the West Indies' hopes faded.

World Cup: Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell Starc guide Australia's win over West Indies

West Indies are the most watchable side in this year's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/inept-to-inspiring-i-always-say-be-patient-with-us-says-captain-sarfaraz-after-beating-england-224025">Cricket World Cup</a> and every team will be wary of facing them, former Australia captain Steve Waugh has said.

The winners of the first two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/englands-joe-root-scores-first-hundred-of-cricket-world-cup-2019-223998">World Cups</a> back in the 1970s, West Indies have not made the final since 1983 but the recent return of some top players following the resolution of a long-running pay dispute with their board has provided a big boost.

There was never any doubt about their batting firepower with crowd-pleasing opening batsman Chris Gayle and all-rounder Andre Russell in the side but they also showcased their bowling prowess in their opening match against Pakistan.

In a performance evoking memories of the team's heyday in the 1980s, their quicks led by Oshane Thomas harassed Pakistan with fiery bouncers in bowler-friendly conditions to dismiss them for their second-lowest World Cup total of 105.

Thomas finished with 4-27, while captain Jason Holder and Russell shared five wickets between them to send an early warning to their World Cup rivals with a seven-wicket win.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nathan-coulter-nile-warns-windies-says-be-ready-for-chin-music-223661">Champions Australia</a> will be up next on Thursday with Aaron Finch's team also picking up a comfortable seven-wicket victory in their opening match against Afghanistan.

"The West Indies ... possess a squad full of match winners that can dominate if they gain any sense of ascendancy in a match," Waugh said in a column for the governing body International Cricket Council.

"They are the most watchable team in the tournament with a batting line-up that can kidnap any bowling attack with brute force,'' he said.

"No ground is big enough when this behemoth of a batting order clicks into overdrive but they also have vulnerability against high-quality bowling as they tend to play one dimensional at times. For the first time in a long while they have fast-bowling depth vindicated by Friday's win against Pakistan without their finest in Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel," Waugh added.

Waugh, 54, said West Indies would still need to improve their fielding.

"Their Achilles heel, however, will be their lack of mobility in the field and this is where Australia can influence the outcome," said Waugh, who won the World Cup with Australia in 1987 before leading the side to their second title in 1999 when the tournament was last held in England.

Here's the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019:

<img alt="ICC World Cup 2019 " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="90f117a3-af27-4398-a73d-6a41e7a1499e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019%20%281%29_17.jpg" />

"Every side in this tournament will be wary of playing the Windies and I wouldn't want to face them in a knock-out match. They are the sort of team that, if they get on a roll and build some momentum, then they could win it all like the ICC Men's World T20 back in 2016," Waugh said.

West Indies are the most watchable side in this year's Cricket World Cup and every team will be wary of facing them, former Australia captain Steve Waugh has said.

West Indies are the most watchable side in this year's Cricket World Cup and every team will be wary of facing them, former Australia captain Steve Waugh has said. The winners of the first two World Cups back in the 1970s, West Indies have not made the final since 1983 but the recent return of some top players following the resolution of a long-running pay dispute with their board has provided a big boost. There was never any doubt about their batting firepower with crowd-pleasing opening batsman Chris Gayle and all-rounder Andre Russell in the side but they also showcased their bowling prowess in their opening match against Pakistan. In a performance evoking memories of the team's heyday in the 1980s, their quicks led by Oshane Thomas harassed Pakistan with fiery bouncers in bowler-friendly conditions to dismiss them for their second-lowest World Cup total of 105. Thomas finished with 4-27, while captain Jason Holder and Russell shared five wickets between them to send an early warning to their World Cup rivals with a seven-wicket win. Champions Australia will be up next on Thursday with Aaron Finch's team also picking up a comfortable seven-wicket victory in their opening match against Afghanistan. "The West Indies ... possess a squad full of match winners that can dominate if they gain any sense of ascendancy in a match," Waugh said in a column for the governing body International Cricket Council. "They are the most watchable team in the tournament with a batting line-up that can kidnap any bowling attack with brute force,'' he said. "No ground is big enough when this behemoth of a batting order clicks into overdrive but they also have vulnerability against high-quality bowling as they tend to play one dimensional at times. For the first time in a long while they have fast-bowling depth vindicated by Friday's win against Pakistan without their finest in Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel," Waugh added. Waugh, 54, said West Indies would still need to improve their fielding. "Their Achilles heel, however, will be their lack of mobility in the field and this is where Australia can influence the outcome," said Waugh, who won the World Cup with Australia in 1987 before leading the side to their second title in 1999 when the tournament was last held in England. Here's the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019: "Every side in this tournament will be wary of playing the Windies and I wouldn't want to face them in a knock-out match. They are the sort of team that, if they get on a roll and build some momentum, then they could win it all like the ICC Men's World T20 back in 2016," Waugh said.

Steve Waugh ranks 'dangerous' Windies as World Cup's most watchable side

On the eve of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=cricket+world+cup">Cricket World Cup 2019</a>, all the skippers of the participating countries met Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry at the Buckingham Palace in London.&nbsp;

The tournament is hosted by England and Wales is scheduled to take place between from May 30 to July 14.&nbsp;

The format of the World Cup 2019 will be round-robin, which means, all countries will play each other once and the top four will enter the knockout stages.

Just after the visit, the opening ceremony held at the London Mall next to the Buckingham Palace and from Viv Richards to Anil Kumble, many cricketing legends attended the ceremony.&nbsp;

Team Pakistan was represented by Nobel peace prize winner Malala Yousafzai.&nbsp;

During the ceremony, a unique 60-second challenge was played&nbsp;in which all teams were given one minute to score the maximum runs.&nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared the picture of the captains' meeting with the Queen. "The 10 #CWC19 Captains with the Queen," BCCI captioned one of the photos on Twitter.&nbsp;

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The 10 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> Captains with the Queen. <a href="https://t.co/cT42NfuPCv">pic.twitter.com/cT42NfuPCv</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1133783155574550529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Captains including <a href="https://twitter.com/Eoin16?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Eoin16</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> met Her Majesty and His Royal Highness before joining a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. <a href="https://t.co/AjS5eZBrVH">pic.twitter.com/AjS5eZBrVH</a>
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1133764856178446336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Watch:&nbsp;Queen and Harry joke with world cricket captains

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England takes on South Africa in the opening match of the World cup today at the Oval in London.&nbsp;

On the eve of Cricket World Cup 2019, all the skippers of the participating countries met Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry at the Buckingham Palace in London. The tournament is hosted by England and Wales is scheduled to take place between from May 30 to July 14.

On the eve of Cricket World Cup 2019, all the skippers of the participating countries met Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry at the Buckingham Palace in London. The tournament is hosted by England and Wales is scheduled to take place between from May 30 to July 14. The format of the World Cup 2019 will be round-robin, which means, all countries will play each other once and the top four will enter the knockout stages. Just after the visit, the opening ceremony held at the London Mall next to the Buckingham Palace and from Viv Richards to Anil Kumble, many cricketing legends attended the ceremony. Team Pakistan was represented by Nobel peace prize winner Malala Yousafzai. During the ceremony, a unique 60-second challenge was played in which all teams were given one minute to score the maximum runs. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared the picture of the captains' meeting with the Queen. "The 10 #CWC19 Captains with the Queen," BCCI captioned one of the photos on Twitter. The 10 #CWC19 Captains with the Queen. pic.twitter.com/cT42NfuPCv — BCCI (@BCCI) May 29, 2019 × Captains including @Eoin16 and @imVkohli met Her Majesty and His Royal Highness before joining a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. pic.twitter.com/AjS5eZBrVH — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 29, 2019 × Watch: Queen and Harry joke with world cricket captains × England takes on South Africa in the opening match of the World cup today at the Oval in London.

Captains meet Queen Elizabeth before the commencement of Cricket World Cup 2019

Australia's cricketers in front of Ricky Ponting are "like eight-year-old girls around Justin Bieber", feels the team's World Cup skipper Aaron Finch about the batting great, whose mere presence gives them a fillip.

In February, Ponting was appointed as an assistant coach for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/icc-world-cup-2019-all-teams-and-their-squad-list-211495#australia-211477">Australia's World Cup campaign</a>, specifically working with the limited overs batsmen.

Ponting has previously worked short-term with Australia's ODI and Twenty20 squads.

"The boys all want to impress 'Punter'," Finch was quoted as saying by cricket.Com.Au.

"Everyone wants to impress Punter, you should see them - it's like eight-year-old girls around Justin Bieber when Punter's around the changeroom," he said, drawing comparisons between Ponting and the famous Canadian singer-songwriter.

"It's embarrassing, but it's great," Finch said of the legend who won the World Cup three times including twice as captain.

After a tough series at home against India, Australia turned things around and registered victories in India and against Pakistan.&nbsp;

Finch played his part in the revival of fortunes, forming a fine opening partnership with Usman Khwaja.

Since making a drought-breaking 93 against India at Ranchi, Finch had three big scores and his team eight consecutive wins.

"That was really exciting for me, it meant so much to see how happy others were for me to get some runs," he said.

"The lessons that I learned and the support that I got from players and everyone was unbelievable, and it really makes you think about the care that there is for the individual player."

Finch admitted there were "a few scars" noticeable among the members of the ODI outfit which had been involved in the preceding South Africa Test campaign that was marred by the ball-tampering saga, and that it took the new-look squad some time to find its feet.&nbsp;

Australia's cricketers in front of Ricky Ponting are "like eight-year-old girls around Justin Bieber", feels the team's World Cup skipper Aaron Finch about the batting great, whose mere presence gives them a fillip.

Australia's cricketers in front of Ricky Ponting are "like eight-year-old girls around Justin Bieber", feels the team's World Cup skipper Aaron Finch about the batting great, whose mere presence gives them a fillip. In February, Ponting was appointed as an assistant coach for Australia's World Cup campaign, specifically working with the limited overs batsmen. Ponting has previously worked short-term with Australia's ODI and Twenty20 squads. "The boys all want to impress 'Punter'," Finch was quoted as saying by cricket.Com.Au. "Everyone wants to impress Punter, you should see them - it's like eight-year-old girls around Justin Bieber when Punter's around the changeroom," he said, drawing comparisons between Ponting and the famous Canadian singer-songwriter. "It's embarrassing, but it's great," Finch said of the legend who won the World Cup three times including twice as captain. After a tough series at home against India, Australia turned things around and registered victories in India and against Pakistan. Finch played his part in the revival of fortunes, forming a fine opening partnership with Usman Khwaja. Since making a drought-breaking 93 against India at Ranchi, Finch had three big scores and his team eight consecutive wins. "That was really exciting for me, it meant so much to see how happy others were for me to get some runs," he said. "The lessons that I learned and the support that I got from players and everyone was unbelievable, and it really makes you think about the care that there is for the individual player." Finch admitted there were "a few scars" noticeable among the members of the ODI outfit which had been involved in the preceding South Africa Test campaign that was marred by the ball-tampering saga, and that it took the new-look squad some time to find its feet.

In Ponting's presence, Australian players are like 8-year-old girls around Justin Bieber: Aaron Finch

Australia captain Aaron Finch believes David Warner will enter this year's World Cup desperate to prove himself as the disgraced batsman prepares to rejoin his teammates after a ball-tampering ban.

Warner has been in red-hot form in the India Premier League after completing a 12-month suspension for cheating, averaging 69.20 in 12 innings, including a century and eight fifties.

Finch expected the fiery batsman to also dominate on the international stage, providing a massive boost for Australia as the reigning champions chase a sixth World Cup trophy.

"He's coming back with a huge hunger, not just to perform well for his franchise, but to dominate international cricket again," Finch told Melbourne commercial radio Wednesday. &nbsp;

"When you have your dream taken away from you for 12 months, I can imagine there's something inside you that burns really strongly."

Finch said the ban, imposed after Warner masterminded the "Sandpaper-gate" scandal in Cape Town last year, had given the 32-year-old a chance to refresh his game.

"He's a super player, we know how destructive he can be," he said.

"I think having time off to spend with his family and get away from the game (was important)."

Warner and former Australian captain Steve Smith, who was also banned over the cheating scandal, will officially rejoin the Australian squad for the first time at a training camp in Brisbane on Friday.

Finch did not expect any problems re-integrating them into the team, even though the former captain and deputy will have to defer to a new leadership team.

He said he would consult the pair about on-field tactics.

"I'll be using them as much as I can tactically because they've both captained a lot of cricket and are very good captains on the field," he said.&nbsp;

"It would be really naive of me not to lean on them."

Finch also revealed he feared for his own spot on the team after a recent barren run, although he believed he had now returned to form.

"In the back of your mind you're thinking, 'Gee, the World Cup isn't far away, as a captain I could be left out of the squad'," he said.

"Then you start putting unrealistic pressure on yourself to perform."

Finch had an unsuccessful spell in the Test side last year, averaging 27.80 in five matches, and conceded that at 32 his career in the long-form game was over.

"My chances to play Test cricket again have probably slipped away," he said.

"I'm still very grateful for the opportunity... I'm OK with that because I gave it everything I could."

Australia captain Aaron Finch believes David Warner will enter this year's World Cup desperate to prove himself as the disgraced batsman prepares to rejoin his teammates after a ball-tampering ban.

Australia captain Aaron Finch believes David Warner will enter this year's World Cup desperate to prove himself as the disgraced batsman prepares to rejoin his teammates after a ball-tampering ban. Warner has been in red-hot form in the India Premier League after completing a 12-month suspension for cheating, averaging 69.20 in 12 innings, including a century and eight fifties. Finch expected the fiery batsman to also dominate on the international stage, providing a massive boost for Australia as the reigning champions chase a sixth World Cup trophy. "He's coming back with a huge hunger, not just to perform well for his franchise, but to dominate international cricket again," Finch told Melbourne commercial radio Wednesday. "When you have your dream taken away from you for 12 months, I can imagine there's something inside you that burns really strongly." Finch said the ban, imposed after Warner masterminded the "Sandpaper-gate" scandal in Cape Town last year, had given the 32-year-old a chance to refresh his game. "He's a super player, we know how destructive he can be," he said. "I think having time off to spend with his family and get away from the game (was important)." Warner and former Australian captain Steve Smith, who was also banned over the cheating scandal, will officially rejoin the Australian squad for the first time at a training camp in Brisbane on Friday. Finch did not expect any problems re-integrating them into the team, even though the former captain and deputy will have to defer to a new leadership team. He said he would consult the pair about on-field tactics. "I'll be using them as much as I can tactically because they've both captained a lot of cricket and are very good captains on the field," he said. "It would be really naive of me not to lean on them." Finch also revealed he feared for his own spot on the team after a recent barren run, although he believed he had now returned to form. "In the back of your mind you're thinking, 'Gee, the World Cup isn't far away, as a captain I could be left out of the squad'," he said. "Then you start putting unrealistic pressure on yourself to perform." Finch had an unsuccessful spell in the Test side last year, averaging 27.80 in five matches, and conceded that at 32 his career in the long-form game was over. "My chances to play Test cricket again have probably slipped away," he said. "I'm still very grateful for the opportunity... I'm OK with that because I gave it everything I could."

David Warner is coming back with a huge hunger, says Aaron Finch

Fitting the disgraced duo of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Steve+Smith">Steve Smith</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=David+Warner">David Warner</a> into Australia's World Cup squad will be "bloody hard" given the side's resurgence without them, according to captain Aaron Finch.

Both Smith and Warner are eligible to return to the national side after their 12-month suspensions for ball-tampering ended on Thursday.

Australia beat Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in their five-match ODI series, and have now won six matches in succession after coming back to defeat India 3-2 away.

Finch said it would be tough for selectors to decide who to leave out of the 15-man squad for the May 30-July 14 World Cup in England.

"It is bloody hard," he said.

"Especially when the side is playing so well, it's going to be difficult. No matter who it is.

"At the end of the day ... it's an incredibly tough decision. Whatever balance you go with in that 15-man squad, there's going to be some very unlucky blokes out there."

One could be Usman Khawaja, formerly a fringe member of the one-day side, who has flourished opening the batting with Finch since his recall in January, with 609 runs at an average of 55.36.

The left-hander could make way for Warner, who has scored more than 4,300 one-day runs and 14 centuries, in an explosive opening combination with Finch.

Smith, who has only just returned from elbow surgery, would complement a middle order of Shaun Marsh and Peter Handscomb, with all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell providing power-hitting through the lower-middle order.

Having struggled for a period without Smith and Warner, Finch's side have shown the kind of form that propelled them to a fifth World Cup title four years ago on home soil.

Finch said consistency of selection had aided their turnaround.

"The fact that guys are getting more of an opportunity to keep developing their role, and developing the role they've been asked to play or the game demands, is gold," he said.

"That probably goes under the radar a little bit when you're looking at teams that have been successful in the past.

"I think leading up to the 2015 World Cup, we'd had the same 15 players for a good 18 months or so.

"That goes a long way, not just to your culture but just an understanding of how each other plays."

Fitting the disgraced duo of Steve Smith and David Warner into Australia's World Cup squad will be "bloody hard" given the side's resurgence without them, according to captain Aaron Finch.

Fitting the disgraced duo of Steve Smith and David Warner into Australia's World Cup squad will be "bloody hard" given the side's resurgence without them, according to captain Aaron Finch. Both Smith and Warner are eligible to return to the national side after their 12-month suspensions for ball-tampering ended on Thursday. Australia beat Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in their five-match ODI series, and have now won six matches in succession after coming back to defeat India 3-2 away. Finch said it would be tough for selectors to decide who to leave out of the 15-man squad for the May 30-July 14 World Cup in England. "It is bloody hard," he said. "Especially when the side is playing so well, it's going to be difficult. No matter who it is. "At the end of the day ... it's an incredibly tough decision. Whatever balance you go with in that 15-man squad, there's going to be some very unlucky blokes out there." One could be Usman Khawaja, formerly a fringe member of the one-day side, who has flourished opening the batting with Finch since his recall in January, with 609 runs at an average of 55.36. The left-hander could make way for Warner, who has scored more than 4,300 one-day runs and 14 centuries, in an explosive opening combination with Finch. Smith, who has only just returned from elbow surgery, would complement a middle order of Shaun Marsh and Peter Handscomb, with all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell providing power-hitting through the lower-middle order. Having struggled for a period without Smith and Warner, Finch's side have shown the kind of form that propelled them to a fifth World Cup title four years ago on home soil. Finch said consistency of selection had aided their turnaround. "The fact that guys are getting more of an opportunity to keep developing their role, and developing the role they've been asked to play or the game demands, is gold," he said. "That probably goes under the radar a little bit when you're looking at teams that have been successful in the past. "I think leading up to the 2015 World Cup, we'd had the same 15 players for a good 18 months or so. "That goes a long way, not just to your culture but just an understanding of how each other plays."

Return of Steve Smith, David Warner makes for hard selections: Aaron Finch

Australia captain Aaron Finch scored a century as they beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the opening one-day international at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Chasing 281 to win, the tourists reached their target with an over to spare and took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series with Finch making 116 and Shaun Marsh unbeaten on 91.

Unbeaten Haris Sohail's maiden ODI ton had helped Pakistan reach 280 for five in 50 overs after skipper Shoaib Malik, standing in for the rested Sarfraz Ahmed, won the toss and elected to bat.

Sohail, who scored his first test century against Australia in October, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 101 off 115 balls including six fours and a six before late fireworks by Imad Wasim ensured they would defend a challenging total.

The victory was Australia's fourth in a row in the format and follows their 3-2 series triumph in India.

Finch and Marsh put on a 172-run stand after Usman Khawaja was dismissed for 24. The pair paced their innings perfectly on a wicket that improved under lights before Finch was dismissed by debutant pace bowler Mohammad Abbas in the 43rd over.

The captain hit eight fours and four sixes en route to his 12th century. Peter Handscomb ensured Australia crossed the finish line without any problems, scoring an unbeaten 30.

Earlier, Pakistan's openers started sluggishly, with Imam-ul-Haq scoring 17 before being dismissed by spinner Nathan Lyon while debutant Shan Masood was castled by paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile for a 62-ball 40.

Sohail and Umar Akmal combined for a 98-run partnership before the latter, dropped by Peter Handscomb in the 27th over, was caught at mid-off just short of his half-century as he looked to increase the scoring rate.

Malik was bowled by Glenn Maxwell for 11 shortly afterwards and was replaced in the middle by Faheem Ashraf, who helped steady the innings with a handy 28.

Sohail, playing in his first ODI in over four months, edged closer to his century before completing it with a single off Coulter-Nile in the final over of the innings.

Pakistan scored 55 runs in the last five overs thanks to all-rounder Wasim, who made an unbeaten 28 from 13 balls to boost the total.

The second game takes place at the same venue on Sunday.

Australia captain Aaron Finch scored a century as they beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the opening one-day international at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Australia captain Aaron Finch scored a century as they beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the opening one-day international at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday. Chasing 281 to win, the tourists reached their target with an over to spare and took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series with Finch making 116 and Shaun Marsh unbeaten on 91. Unbeaten Haris Sohail's maiden ODI ton had helped Pakistan reach 280 for five in 50 overs after skipper Shoaib Malik, standing in for the rested Sarfraz Ahmed, won the toss and elected to bat. Sohail, who scored his first test century against Australia in October, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 101 off 115 balls including six fours and a six before late fireworks by Imad Wasim ensured they would defend a challenging total. The victory was Australia's fourth in a row in the format and follows their 3-2 series triumph in India. Finch and Marsh put on a 172-run stand after Usman Khawaja was dismissed for 24. The pair paced their innings perfectly on a wicket that improved under lights before Finch was dismissed by debutant pace bowler Mohammad Abbas in the 43rd over. The captain hit eight fours and four sixes en route to his 12th century. Peter Handscomb ensured Australia crossed the finish line without any problems, scoring an unbeaten 30. Earlier, Pakistan's openers started sluggishly, with Imam-ul-Haq scoring 17 before being dismissed by spinner Nathan Lyon while debutant Shan Masood was castled by paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile for a 62-ball 40. Sohail and Umar Akmal combined for a 98-run partnership before the latter, dropped by Peter Handscomb in the 27th over, was caught at mid-off just short of his half-century as he looked to increase the scoring rate. Malik was bowled by Glenn Maxwell for 11 shortly afterwards and was replaced in the middle by Faheem Ashraf, who helped steady the innings with a handy 28. Sohail, playing in his first ODI in over four months, edged closer to his century before completing it with a single off Coulter-Nile in the final over of the innings. Pakistan scored 55 runs in the last five overs thanks to all-rounder Wasim, who made an unbeaten 28 from 13 balls to boost the total. The second game takes place at the same venue on Sunday.

AUSvsPAK, 1st ODI: Aaron Finch century helps Australia beat Pakistan by 8 wickets

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