Clarke steers Australia home

A near-century from stand-in opener Michael Clarke steered Australia to a tight four-wicket victory over Pakistan in the ODI clash in Hobart. Clarke's 97 led the way for a Gillespie and Gilchrist-less Australia as they successfully chased a revised target of 253 from 45 overs with two overs to spare.

Clarke's innings, made from just 99 deliveries, provided the impetus for Australia to chase down a challenging total, after Shahid Afridi had earlier smashed a later half-century to lift Pakistan to a competitive 272 from 50 overs. Pakistan recovered from a poor start as Akmal (5) and Hafeez (0) both fell to the opening duo of McGrath and Lee respectively. Salman Butt continued his impressive tour of Australia, carrying over his Test form into the ODI series with a stabilising half-century. He added 53 with Shoaib Malik before Malik fell LBW to Symonds, bringing Pakistan's out-of-form captain to the crease.

Inzamam's innings suggested that he had recovered from the back injury that cut his Test series short, making an impressive half century at better than a run a ball. Brad Hogg, the bowling hero from Australia's first match of the series against the West Indies, struck a vital blow in the 28th over, inducing a top-edged cut shot from Salman after a solid 61. A minute's silence was observed shortly afterward in honour of the Boxing Day tsunami victims, before Inzamam and his deputy, Yousuf Youhana, continued to rebuild the Pakistan innings.

Youhana was not in the greatest of form, managing only two boundaries in his 47-ball stay at the crease, but with his captain nudged Pakistan's total towards 200. Pakistan's innings was nearly undone however by Michael Kasprowicz, as he removed both batsmen in quick succession. Youhana was caught for 30, before Inzamam fell for an impressive 68 from just 64 deliveries. At this stage (6-204 in the 44th over) 250 would have been a commendable achievement, but the mrecurial Shahid Afridi had higher aspirations, and on this occasion, achieved them.

Afridi played in typically fearless fashion even against the in-form Lee and McGrath; indeed, he belted both for sixes, four of them in total. He also added as many fours in his stunning unbeaten innings of 56 from just 26 deliveries, propelling Pakistan to an eventual total of 7-272.

After a stroke-filled half-century against the West Indies, Michael Clarke again relished his temporary opening position, giving Australia a good start against lacklustre new-ball spells from Shoaib Akhtar and Naved-ul-Hasan. Simon Katich opened the innings in lieu of the injured Gilchrist, and the pair added 107 from just 17 overs before Azhar Mahmood removed Katich, playing on for 38. The partnership put Australia in a seemingly comfortable position chasing the revised total of 253 from 45 overs, but a middle-order wobble gave Pakistan a chance to reassert themselves.

Afridi continued his good day by ending Ricky Ponting's run of high scores, having the Australian captain caught behind on 6. Martyn, too, failed to continue his good form, bowled by Abdul Razzaq for 11 to tip the balance slightly. Clarke put Australia back in charge with a productive seven-over period following the wicket, but fell within a boundary of a second ODI century. His 99th ball saw him mishit part-timer Hafeez to Naved-ul-Hasan, disappointingly ending an impressive knock of 97, including twelve fours and a six.

An inside edge off Razzaq by Symonds on nought left Australia in a precarious position at 5-186, still 67 runs from victory. Lehmann used the opportunity to reiterate his value to the Australian ODI team, and stand-in 'keeper Brad Haddin made sure his presence was felt in what may be his only game of the series. Continuing his form after a century for Australia 'A', Haddin chipped in with a crucial run-a-ball 30, to lift Australia within range of the target. Lehmann finished things off with a sensible knock of 49*, to give Australia what was in the end a comfortable win, though Pakistan threatened at times throughout the match.

Score Summary:

PAKISTAN 8-272 from 50 overs
Inzamam-ul-Haq 68 (64), Salman Butt 61 (87), Shahid Afridi 56* (26); MS Kasprowicz 2/38 (9), GD McGrath 2/54 (10)

AUSTRALIA 6-253 from 43 overs
MJ Clarke 97 (99), DS Lehmann 49* (57); Abdul Razzaq 2/41 (8)

Result: Australia won by 4 wickets (D/L Method)
Points: Australia 5; Pakistan 1 (VB Series Standings)

Man of the Match: MJ Clarke (97 off 99 balls)


Posted by Adam