T20 World Cup: Matthew Wade's aggressive batting helps Australia triumph over Pakistan in race to final

A firing knock of 40 off just 17 balls by Wade earned Australia a five-wicket win over Pakistan, who had scored 176/4 in 20 overs.

Chasing a target of 177, Australia were on the backfoot in the first over after they lost skipper Aaron Finch, who was dismissed by young pace bowler Shaheen Afridi.

Though David Warner (49 off 30 balls) and Mitchell Marsh (28 off 22 balls) steadied the innings, a poor show by the middle order had once again put Australia in a spot of bother as they were reduced to 96/5 at one stage.

After the dismissal of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis (40 off 31 balls) and Wade came to the rescue of the Aussies and pulled off a stunning victory, leaving the Pakistani fans in dismay.

As the match was getting closer, Wade, who was dropped by Hasan Ali in the 19th over, slammed three sixes back to back to take his team home with one full over to spare.

For Pakistan, it was Shadab Khan who dazzled in the night picking four of five wickets lost by Australia in the run chase.

Batting first, Pakistan did exactly what they had done in the entire tournament by attacking the Australian bowlers right from the first over.

After skipper Babar Azam was dismissed for 39 off 34 balls, wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan hit the acceleration mode and slammed a knock of 67 off 52 balls.

After Rizwan departed, it was time for Fakhar Zaman to ensure Pakistan post a big total and he did it scoring 55 off 32 balls, thanks to three fours and four sixes.

Australia will now face New Zealand in the final match to be held on Sunday.