Australia pip Pakistan in thriller
Australia won a match they seemed to have lost
23-Jan-2000
Australia won a match they seemed to have lost. And Pakistan lost a
game which they should have won. That just about sums up the Carlton
and United Series game between the two countries which ended in a
15-run victory for Australia at Melbourne on Sunday.
With Ijaz Ahmed and Moin Khan in full control, Pakistan seemed headed
for victory when there was a rain stoppage. On resumption, Pakistan
lost their cool and composure even as the Australians kept theirs.
At 201 for four after 40 overs, Pakistan needed only 60 runs from ten
overs. But Ijaz Ahmed was out in the 41st over and Moin Khan followed
in the next over. Still with the big hitting in form Abdul Razzaq at
the crease, Pakistan were not without hope. But his run out through a
brilliant direct throw by Ricky Ponting saw Australia back in the
driver's seat and ultimately they bowled out Pakistan for 245 in 48.5
overs.
In pursuit of a challenging target of 261, Pakistan lost Saeed Anwar
early but a second wicket stand of 61 runs off 10.4 overs between
Shahid Afridi and Ijaz Ahmed steadied the innings. But when Inzamam
and Youhana failed to make substantial contributions, Pakistan at 140
for four in the 30th over were in some trouble. However Ijaz and Moin
added 61 runs off 11 overs to put Pakistan in the favourities'
circle. But the fall of Ijaz was a vital blow from which Pakistan
never really recovered. The experienced right hander was bowled by
Shane Lee for 85 off 104 balls. He hit six fours and a six. Moin Khan
made a typical 33 off 36 balls with a six and a four. But in the end
result, credit must be given to the Australian bowlers who did just
what was required in the crunch overs. Shane Lee was outstanding as
his figures of four for 37 off 8.5 overs will testify.
Earlier, Australia with solid contributions from most of their top
order batsmen were able to post a challenging total of 260 for nine in
50 overs. After the fall of Mark Waugh and Adam Gilchrist for 56 runs
by the 12th over, Ponting and Michael Bevan put Australia on the road
to a good total by adding 66 runs for the third wicket off 12.5
overs. After Ponting fell for 53 off 64 balls, inclusive of five
fours, Bevan and Andrew Symonds maintained the momentum with a fourth
wicket partnership of 66 runs off 11.4 overs. The hard hitting
Symonds' 35 off 36 balls with two sixes and a four was just what the
Australians needed at this stage. Bevan played the sheet anchor role
to perfection before he fell in the 46th over for 83. The left hander
faced 101 balls and hit only one four besides a six. Saqlain Mushtaq
picked up two late wickets to restrict the Australians when they
seemed to be racing for a bigger total. Ultimately the total proved to
be just beyond the reach of the Pakistanis.
The win took Australia's tally to ten points from six games. Pakistan
are stuck on six from the same number of matches.