VB Series, (A/ P/ WI) 2004-05

At Perth, January 30, 2005 (day/night). Pakistan won by three wickets. Pakistan 5 pts, Australia 1 pt. Toss: Australia. One-day international debut: Mohammad Khalil.

Australia's doubtful form finally cost them a game, as Pakistan's individual brilliance triumphed. Nagging bowling reduced Australia to 192 for seven, despite five dropped catches. Though Clarke's hot streak continued, a blameless pitch and billiard-table outfield gave Pakistan the advantage at the dinner break. McGrath was metronomic as ever, earning two wickets from haywire hooks, and Inzamam-ul-Haq's stay ended just as it was bearing fruit. But Yousuf Youhana kept the target in sight and Shahid Afridi blasted Pakistan within touching distance. In 13 balls, he creamed Symonds for two of the biggest sixes seen at the WACA and gave Abdul Razzaq, who followed four wickets with a run-a-ball 63, breathing space to scramble to victory. The news that Younis Khan's father had died during the game tempered the team's triumph.

Man of the Match: Abdul Razzaq. Attendance: 18,719.