Salman Butt leads Pakistan victory

An unbeaten century from Pakistan opener Salman Butt gave the tourists their first win since arriving in Australia, with a 43-run victory over Cricket Australia's Chairman's XI. Butt scored 115 of Pakistan's 256, while the Chairman's XI could manage only 213 in reply.

After a humiliating defeat in their 3-day match against WA's second XI, the win put Pakistan back on track ahead of the Test and One-Day Series'. Winning the toss and batting, Butt led the charge against a bowling attack that included former Test player Geoff Lawson and Tony Dodemaide. Lawson struck first removing Imran Farhat for 25, after an opening stand of 54.

Pakistan were able to post a healthy total despite the regular loss of wickets, with Butt's 115* the only score over 25. The innings included 11 fours and a six, continuing his good run of form after a debut ODI century against India last month. The failure of the rest of the batting lineup, in this match and the earlier first-class fixture, will no doubt leave Butt in consideration for a Test call-up. Part-timer Mike Hussey returned the best figures for the hosts, capturing three wickets from his four overs.

In reply, the Chairman's XI were set back by the early loss of captain and star batsman Justin Langer for just one, falling to Mohammad Khalil. Despite pacemen Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami being rested, the Pakistan attack was able to comfortably defend the total. Chris Rogers (61) and Luke Ronchi (51) both scored half-centuries at better than a run-a-ball, but a lack of support from other batsman ensured that Pakistan swept to victory. Naved-ul-Hasan was the pick of the bowlers with an economical 3/36 from his 10 overs.

Pakistan next head to the WACA ground for a four-day match against Western Australia ahead of the First Test at the same venue.

Score Summary:

PAKISTANIS 9 for 256 off 50 overs
Salman Butt 115* (135); MEK Hussey 3/28

CHAIRMAN'S XI 213 all out off 45.2 overs
CJL Rogers 61, L Ronchi 51; Naved-ul-Hasan 3/36

Pakistanis won by 43 runs

Posted by Adam