Clarke conquers again

Michael Clarke's run of form at the top of the order continued as the stand-in opener blasted a century to lead Australia to a crushing victory over Pakistan at the SCG. Clarke conquered the overcast conditions, belting an unbeaten 103 after Pakistan were bundled out for 163.

Electing to bat first despite a rain-delayed start, Pakistan were never allowed to settle against an Australian bowling attack in top form. McGrath struck in just his second over, pinning Salman Butt to the crease for nought, and Brett Lee knocked back Kamran Akmal's offstump in the next over to have Pakistan teetering early at 2-2. The conditions were conducive to swing and seam movement, and Shoaib Malik barely managed to lay bat on ball in his innings of 8. After 29 deliveries, McGrath put him out of his misery with a perfect off-cutter which cannoned into the stumps.

Youhana managed only 4 before playing into Ponting's hands at slip, leaving captain Inzamam to restore some pride after Pakistan fell to 4-44. The most experienced of the Pakistan squad, Inzamam mastered the conditions sufficiently to record a third half-century for the series, and his sixth from his last seven ODI's. He lacked support, however, as Watson and Lehmann chimed in with wickets, and Michael Clarke's electric fielding accounted for Razzaq. Inzamam eventually fell on 50, holing out in the deep off Darren Lehmann; shortly afterward, Pakistan were virtually out of the game at 8-115.

Shahid Afridi's big-hitting briefly shifted the momentum of the game, laying into the Australian bowling to the tune of three sixes and as many fours. His quickfire 48 from just 37 balls lifted Pakistan to 163, before he was the last man out, charging Lehmann one time too many to be stumped by stand-in 'keeper Brad Haddin.

In the absence of Adam Gilchrist, Michael Clarke resumed his stint as opener, where he has enjoyed his greatest success in the series, with scores of 66 and 97. From the outset, Clarke looked the senior partner, with the out of form Hayden seemingly restricted to spectator status. Hayden did his bit however to push Australia inexorably towards the victory target, and managed 27 by the time he holed out off Abdul Razzaq's bowling.

Despite the small target of 164, Clarke still managed to dominate the scoring in such a way as to manufacture his second ODI century. It came with some help from captain Ricky Ponting though, whose feat of self-denial in making 17* from 51 balls enabled Clarke to reach three figures. Ultimately, it was Clarke's 14th four, in addition to one six, which raised the century, and the victory for Australia. It was a particularly disenchanting loss for Pakistan, but a heartening one for Australia after a lucky escape in their rain-ruined match against the West Indies. Now averaging 133 in the series as opener, Clarke's form is bound to give the selectors something to think about going into the remainder of the series.

Score Summary:

PAKISTAN 163 all out from 39.2 overs
Inzamam-ul-Haq 50 (61), Shahid Afridi 48 (37); DS Lehmann 44/3 (7.2), GD McGrath 2/18 (10)

AUSTRALIA 1/167 from 36.2 overs
MJ Clarke 103* (107); Abdul Razzaq 1/43 (7)

Result: Australia win by 9 wickets
Points: Australia 6, Pakistan 0

Man of the Match: MJ Clarke


Posted by Adam