Shoaib Malik reveals reason behind his record-breaking fifty

Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik cracked blistering half-centuries as the 2009 World Twenty20 champions eased past Scotland by 72 runs on Sunday to seal top spot in Group II and set up a semi-final meeting with Australia.

Azam opted to bat first after winning the toss and led from the front with a 47-ball 66 that contained five boundaries and three sixes before Malik put the Scots to the sword with a 18-ball 54 dotted by six hits over the ropes.

Mohammad Hafeez also joined the party with a 19-ball 31 to help them reach a commanding 189-4 in their 20 overs, with 114 coming off the final eight.

"As we have seen in previous games, if you don't lose early wickets, you have a chance of putting on a good total," player-of-the-match Malik said.

"We were discussing in our dressing room to at least get 150 and not lose too many wickets early on. If you're playing on a good strip, the goal is to take a couple of balls and start playing your game.

"On these tracks, you take six-eight balls and then start playing your game. You take all the confidence going deep in the tournament. I'm in good form but I want to see myself be more consistent to help the team."

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The winless Scots had little reward in their final Super 12 clash in Sharjah, with spinner Chris Greaves' two wickets - that of Azam and Fakhar Zaman - coming at the cost of 43 runs in his four overs.

Pakistan reduced Scotland to 41-4 with Shadab Khan removing dangerous opener George Munsey for 17 before bowling out Dylan Budge for a duck to lay the foundation for another convincing victory in a tournament where they have been flawless.

Richie Berrington brought up his half-century in the 18th over off Hasan Ali, smashing the paceman for a huge six along the way, but his gutsy 54 not out went in vain as Scotland managed only 117-6 in their 20 overs.

Pakistan finished the group stage with five wins out of five while New Zealand finished second to book a clash with England in the semi-finals.