Pakistan slump to embarrassing defeat

Pakistan have lost the opening match of their Australia tour against a Western Australian 2nd XI after their rearranged batting order failed to reach 94 at Perth's James Oval.

Needing 50 more runs for victory on the third day, Pakistan fell 11 short and the match finished so early that a 40-overs game was hastily scheduled. Pakistan, who used 15 players during the warm-up, made a small target look extremely difficult as they twisted their batting order: Yousuf Youhana, who extended his overnight 28 to 41, and Younis Khan (28) were the only ones to reach double figures. Justin Coetzee was the pick of the bowlers, adding 5 for 23 to his first-innings 5 for 66.

Bob Woolmer, the Pakistan coach, said he was concerned by the performance but that it was not a "big blow". He concluded: "It showed the limitations of some of our young batsmen and our senior batsmen as well, so we've got a lot of work to do in the next few days. I think it's a reality check for all the players who now have to start working a bit harder than they were."

Pakistan will have a chance to find some form in lead-up matches against the Chairman's XI at Lilac Hill and Western Australia before the first Test at the WACA on December 16.

Pakistan regained some pride by winning the 40-over practice match easily. Abdul Razzaq clubbed 55 from 74 balls, with eight fours and three sixes, while Shahid Afridi chipped in with 34 from 25 balls as the Pakistanis reached 8 for 273. WA's 2nd XI managed only 147 in reply.