Australia canters to 9-wicket win

Commanding proceedings as per usual, Australia rushed to a 9-wicket victory over Pakistan on day four of the second Test, at the MCG. Ricky Ponting (62 not out) and Matthew Hayden (56 not out) found some form with unbeaten half-centuries as the target of 126 was passed in 27.5 overs. Justin Langer (5) was the only casualty, caught behind off Mohammad Sami.

Pakistan resumed in the morning at 85/5, and could put forth little better resistance than they did the day before. The eventual total was 163 all out and Glenn McGrath (4/35) figured to be the prime conspirator yet again. Shoaib Malik progressed from an overnight 11 to 41, and topscored in the innings.

He, however, did not receive any reasonable run support and instead the batsmen chronically failed to push on with starts. Sami (11), Razzaq (19), Akmal (0) and Akhtar (14) all came and went, as Danish Kaneria ended stranded on 9. Malik himself was the eighth man out having had two stints at the crease. Early in play Malik was forced to retire hurt on 15, but returned at the fall of Akmal.

The innings of Shoaib Akhtar was completely in character, as he hit a couple of sixes off Shane Warne and then was bowled between bat and pad by McGrath. Alongside McGrath, Warne (3/66) and Gillespie (2/15) also took reasonable hauls, but Kasprowicz ended a disappointing personal game with 1/42.

Australia cantered to 127/1 in their second innings, Ponting sealing the victory with a six off Danish Kaneria. The hosts have now secured the series ahead of the third and final Test.

Damien Martyn received the Man of the Match award.

Score Summary:

Pakistan 1st innings 341 ao (107.3 overs)
Yousuf Youhana 111, Younis Khan 87, Salman Butt 70
JN Gillespie 3/77, SK Warne 3/103

Australia 1st innings 379 ao (99.3 overs)
DR Martyn 142, JN Gillespie 50 not out, JL Langer 50, AC Gilchrist 48
Shoaib Akhtar 5/109, Danish Kaneria 5/125

Pakistan 2nd innings 163 ao (64.2 overs)
Shoaib Malik 41, Yasir Hameed/Younis Khan 23
GD McGrath 4/35, SK Warne 3/66, JN Gillespie 2/15

Australia 2nd innings 127/1 (27.5 overs)
RT Ponting 62 not out, ML Hayden 56 not out
Mohammad Sami 1/22

Result: Australia won by 9 wickets
Series: 2-0 Aus
Man of the Match: DR Martyn (Aus)

Posted by Liam