Australia vs Pakistan, 26th Match, Super 10 Group 2 at Mohali, , Mar 25 2016 - Match Result

6.45pm: Will he? Won't he? I shall leave you with Nagraj's cracking interview of Afridi. Will Luke is awaiting your company for the SA-WI clash. This is Deivarayan Muthu signing off on the behalf of Venkat Raghav. Thanks for your company and comments. Cheers!

6:40pm: Thanks to Wasim Akram for great support on the field and off the field, Afridi tells Star Sports. Chants of "Lala, Lala" ring around the PCA Stadium.

6:20pm: Afridi is deflated in the dug-out. He now shakes hands with Sami, Malik, and Australia. Finch exchanges a smile with Pakistan's captain. Watson, meanwhile, waves to the crowd.

Sharjeel hurtled off the blocks quickly, Latif and Malik made contrasting forties. But Zampa and Faulkner handed the knockout blow. Pakistan were never really in control of the asking rate throughout the chase of 194. There was no Afridi miracle. They ultimately fell short by 21 runs, which sets up a virtual quarter-final showdown between India and Australia.

Presentation:

Faulkner, Man of the Match: "I was lucky there at the end. More importantly, we are back on track. We have played well all summer back home. We showed what we can do with the bat. Looking forward to the next game against India, who are a tough opponent at home. We should be up for the challenge.

Smith: It all came together. We have not played to potential in the [first] two games. Today was quite a clinical performance. Yeah, I thought Warner was hitting well. He needed to face more balls. Finchy looked good for a start. Zampa has bowled beautifully. He reads the batsmen well, and is really smart, which is great for Australia. Tomorrow will be about resting, we will be back in two days.

Akbar: "So is he or is he not?"

Afridi: First of all, I want to congratulate Australia. Honestly, we were not good enough. The last four overs, we gave 40 runs. When I go back home, in the first 4-5 days I will make the decision[on the retirement]. I will announce it in my country. Whatever is better for the country, I will go with that. I will see my form. There is pressure, media pressure. As a player, I am fit. As a captain, I am not fit. I have enjoyed my captaincy. The team management, selection committee, and Shahryar Khan have helped me out. I want to thank people from Calcutta. I thank people who came and supported us from Pakistan and Kashmir. Thanks to the BCCI.

Rohit: "4 wickets in last 6 balls for FAULKNER..."

Rao: "MOM - without doubt is Faulkner"

Rohit: "It was heartbreaking to see Afridi so disconsolate. He looked crushed. "

Venkatesh: "Looking at the 'Photos' in the side bar - "Shahid Afridi plays one into the off side,..." - this must be one of the rare photos, normally you see the ball sailing in the air when Afridi hits them out"

Harsh: "Let the MOM poll begin. I suggest Faulkner."

Wahab

Sarfraz finally gets to bat

No Sarfraz, yet. Here is Wasim

Round the stumps...