ICC World Cup 2023: Warner-Marsh stitch highest opening partnership in World Cup against Pakistan

David Warner and Mitchell Marsh in between the wickets (Pic: AFP)

David Warner and Mitchell Marsh both made half-centuries as Australia's opening pair pummelled Pakistan in their ICC World Cup 2023 group stage clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday.

The pair put on 259 for the first wicket. Warner reached his 21st ODI century off 85 balls with seven fours and six sixes with Marsh completing his ton from 100 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and six sixes.

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Marsh's century came on his 32nd birthday while Warner was dropped by Usama Mir off Shaheen Shah Afridi when he had made just 10. Marsh was eventually dismissed for 121 when Mir successfully held onto a chance off Shaheen.

Pakistan made one change from the team defeated by India with Mir coming in for fellow leg spinner Shadab Khan. Australia are unchanged following their win against Sri Lanka, their first in the tournament after two opening losses. Pakistan have two wins and one defeat.

Babar Azam, meanwhile, won the toss and decided to bowl first in the World Cup match against Australia. Pakistan made one change from the team defeated by India with Usama Mir coming in for fellow leg spinner Shadab Khan. Australia are unchanged following their win against Sri Lanka, their first in the tournament after two opening losses. Pakistan have two wins and one defeat.

Speaking at the time of the toss, Babar said, "We will bowl first. The pitch looks really good. We have had a couple of good sessions. We are hoping to do well. We need to do well in batting. We will try our best. Shadab is not playing."

Australia captain Pat Cummins said, "We would have had a bowl as well. The energy was awesome even though they had a big partnership. The intent from our guys was excellent. The way we played against Lanka, we should do the same. The same. Everyone good to go."

Teams

Australia: Mitchell Marsh, David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (capt), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf

Umpires: Chris Brown (NZL) and Richard Illingworth (ENG) TV Umpire: Michael Gough (ENG) Match Referee: Richie Richardson (WIS)

(With agency inputs)