Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik cracked blistering half-centuries as the former World Twenty20 champions eased past Scotland by 72 runs on Sunday to seal top spot in Group II and set up a semi-final meeting with Australia.
“We are confident about each other’s ability. We are playing as a unit and hence playing consistent cricket. We wanted to bat first. We couldn’t play well in the PP. Hafeez played well and so did Malik. He used his experience and played well towards the end,” Babar Azam said after the match.
Mohammad Hafeez also joined the party with a 19-ball 31 to help them reach a commanding 189-4 in their 20 overs, with 114 coming off the final eight.
The winless Scots had little reward in their final Super 12 stage clash in Sharjah, with spinner Chris Greaves’ two wickets – that of Azam and Fakhar Zaman – coming at the cost of 43 runs in his four overs.
“We have been confident. We would want to continue with the same momentum. Dubai is one of the best stadiums. We love the fans over here and there as well. The way they come and cheer for us is amazing,” Azam added.
Richie Berrington brought up his half-century in the 18th over off Hasan Ali, smashing the paceman for a huge six along the way, but his gutsy 54 not out went in vain as Scotland managed only 117-6 in their 20 overs.
Pakistan finished the group stage with five wins out of five while New Zealand finished second to book a clash with England in the semi-finals.
