Pakistan end Australia's unbeaten run

Pakistan ended Australia's 34-match unbeaten World Cup streak with a four-wicket win in their final group stage clash in Colombo.

It was Pakistan who had last inflicted a World Cup defeat on the defending champions - 12 years ago at Headingley - and they required 41 overs to knock off the 177 required yesterday.

The result - which sees Pakistan top Group A - was not without worry though, as Brett Lee's figures of four for 28 in eight overs had threatened the unlikeliest of fightbacks. However, Asad Shafiq's 46 off 81 deliveries and Umar Akmal's unbeaten 44 led Pakistan to a historic win.

Earlier, Australia's lowest total of this World Cup was down to some inspired bowling by the Pakistanis as Umar Gul grabbed three wickets while fellow paceman Abdul Razzaq finished with two for eight.

Having won the toss, Australia lost Shane Watson early on to Gul but recovered well thanks to Brad Haddin and skipper Ricky Ponting, who carefully took the total to 75. The pair's approach was defensive at best but after a 63-run stand, Ponting's poor form continued as he was caught behind off Mohammad Hafeez for just 19.