AUSTRALIA v PAKISTAN

At Nottingham, June 13, 14. Pakistan won by 89 runs after Hughes, who won the toss, put in Pakistan. Interruptions through rain divided the match into two days, there being time at the end of the first day for Pakistan to send down five overs, from which Darling and Hilditch made 17 without being parted. Both teams lost the services of a key fast bowler, Pakistan being without Sarfraz, suffering from a strain, and Australia missing Hogg, who was laid low with bronchial trouble. In the event Australia laboured under the bigger handicap for although Hogg's replacement, Porter, gave little away, the usually reliable Hurst produced five wides, four no balls and several long hops in his first spell.

Consequently, Pakistan got away to a flying start. Majid punished anything loose with much severity and the opening stand realised 99 runs. Cosier put in some good spells, but there was some fine hitting and running by Asif and Miandad who put on 87 in fourteen overs. This was followed by Asif, Wasim Raja and Imran scoring 47 from the last five overs.

Next day, Hilditch gave an impressive display for Australia, but the loss of Darling in the eighth over proved a setback from which Australia never recovered. Sikander soon accounted for Border and Hughes before the left-handed Yallop joined Hilditch in a stand of 71 in 21 overs, but the scoring-rate was not fast enough to worry Pakistan. In the end, the persistent medium-pace of Mudassar dismissed Hilditch. Asif was named Man of the Match for his brilliant 61, his accurate bowling, and his skilful captaincy.