Australia Complete Videocon Cup Win

Favorites Australia have claimed the inaugural Videocon Cup title in Amsterdam, overcoming a newly spirited Pakistani side in a tight, low-scoring contest.

The Bob Woolmer coached Pakistan side entered the tournament final with high hopes and improving confidence following their victory over India earlier in the tournament and a promising Asia Cup campaign.

Australia, meanwhile, had only been involved in 32 overs thus far in the tournament - following an extended break, the form guide offered little to the Australians. In an otherwise settled line-up, Michael Kasprowicz was overlooked in favour of Jason Gillespie.

Upon winning the toss Ricky Ponting elected to bat on what had proved to be a low, sharp turning wicket in the matches so far. Runs were at a premium early in the innings as Brad Haddin struggled to 10 from 31 deliveries before being cleaned up by Mohammad Sami in the 9th over.

Captain Ponting and opening batsman Matthew Hayden joined forces for a solid 44 run stand, containing the bowlers without the explosive run-rate that as become customary for the Australian side.

Upon the loss of Ponting, vice-captain Darren Lehmann was shuffled up the order to number 4, working the middle overs bowling in his standard masterly fashion. Hayden fell for a scratchy but crucial 59 as Shoaib Akhtar claimed his first wicket of the match after being overlooked for the new ball.

19 months ago, a common question was asked: What is this man doing in our Cup squad? Since that time, however, Andrew Symonds has been a key component of the Australian ODI squad. The most recent meeting between these two sides saw the awakening of a sleeping giant with a majestic unbeaten 143.

Today he was able to add only 36 as he and partner Lehmann fell in the death stages of the innings. Michael Clarke made a run-a-ball 6 as Brad Hogg's diamond duck saw the innings close at 192 from 50 overs.

The Pakistani attack maintained a hold over the run rate throughout the innings, with express paceman Shoaib tasking 3/40 from his 10 overs. Abdur Razzaq, Mohammad Sami and Shabbir Ahmed claimed a wicket each in a solid bowling display.

The opening duo of Yasir Hameed and Imran Farhat began their innings in circumspect fashion, with lingering doubts over the form of Glenn McGrath somewhat abolished by a commanding opening spell in which few runs were yielded.

Hameed gave glimpses of his all-rounder game in making a patient 17 before falling to Brett Lee on his ODI return - an important boost ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy in 12 days time.

Imran Farhat clung for 20 overs before the introduction of Symonds saw 2 wickets fall in quick succession, including the captain Inzaman-ul-Haq.

Shoaib Malik's impressive ODI reputation was again enhanced in his 36, while Yousuf Youhana made 43 to offer the backbone of the middle order assistance.

The Pakistani run-rate was strangled during the crucial middle period by the wily
Symonds and some clever bowling from Darren Lehmann, who had yet again found a pitch that suited his gentle left arm finger spinners to a tee.

Captain Ponting called upon his opening duo of McGrath and Gillespie to complete a tense victory, with the final wicket offering wicket-keeper Brad Haddin his 5th catch of the innings - and the 5th of his 6 match career to match his 2 previous stumpings.

McGrath finished with 1/12 from 7.1 overs as his seam support battery of Lee and Gillespie claimed a wicket a piece at little cost. Brad Hogg copped the brunt of the punishment in going for 6 runs per over as Symonds and Lehmann each claimed 2 wickets. Coupled with 2 trademark run-outs the Queenslander nicknamed Roy capped off a strong match and a brilliant 18-month cycle.

Final Scores:

Australia 7/192 (50 overs - M Hayden 59, D Lehmann 40; Shoaib Akhtar 3/40)

Pakistan 175 (47.1 overs - Yousuf Youhana 43, A Symonds 2/25, Lehmann 2/36)

Australia won by 17 runs.

Cricket Web Player-of-the-Match: Andrew Symonds.

Posted by Andre