The instability of Pakistan's game was on full display during both innings on Wednesday, June 12. After electing to field, their effort was inconsistent, marked by a lack of precision in bowling and mediocre catching. Nevertheless, they managed to hold Australia to a total of 307.
Australia looked set for a massive score, likely over 350, after Aaron Finch and David Warner established a dominant 146-run opening partnership—a feat not achieved by Australian openers against Pakistan in a World Cup since 1996. They had already cruised past 200 runs by the 32nd over. The momentum shifted, however, when Mohammad Amir took five wickets to lead Pakistan's resurgence. The contrast of the day was captured perfectly by Warner's 15th ODI century, aided by a lucky edge that bypassed the slip cordon, and a costly dropped catch by Asif Ali off the bowling of Riaz.
However, Mohammad Amir provided the script for Pakistan’s fightback with a five-wicket haul as A fortuitous edge that went between ‘keeper and first slip, helping Warner to his 15th ODI ton, and a simple catch being put down by Asif Ali off Riaz again, summed up the contrasting day for the batsman and bowler in question.
Australia's decision to move Glenn Maxwell up the order didn't pay off; he struggled to find his rhythm and failed to deliver the big hits, which contributed to a late-innings slump for the team.