Aussies clinch thriller against Pak

Andrew Symonds powered his way to a three figure score in ODI cricket for the first time since last year's World Cup, and Michael Kasprowicz proved that his comeback is for real by taking a five-wicket haul, to help Australia defeat Pakistan by 10 runs, in a thrilling one-off contest at Lord's, an effective preparation for the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy.

Symonds remained unbeaten on 104, in typical Andrew Flintoff fashion, starting off slowly to build the innings after a shaky start, and then finishing off with a flurry of big hits, as Australia posted a competitive, but by no means a safe total of 269 for 6, after having been sent in to bat by Inzamam-ul-Haq

Pakistan did make a match of it, with Inzamam and Yousuf Youhana getting together for a potentially match-winning partnership of 162 for the fifth wicket, before being bundled out 10 runs short of a much needed confidence lifting victory. Michael Kasprowicz was the chief architect of the un-doing of the lower order, continuing his excellent form since returning earlier this year, and finishing with figures of 47/5.

The result could have been in Pakistan's favor, if it wasn't for two crucial dropped catches, both of Andrew Symonds, the first one more costly as he was only of 24, and the other one just about when he was to reach his hundred.

Earlier, Australia got off to another dodgy start, with the top order looking out of sorts, as they did in the Videocon Cup in Holland. Matthew Hayden, uncharacteristically struggled his way to a half century, but made sure that a return of form is on cards. After two early wickets, those of Brad Haddin and skipper Ricky Ponting, both to Mohammad Sami, Hayden steadied the innings adding 69 with Damien Martyn.

However, it was the combination of Symonds and Michael Clarke that took Australia to their total. They came together at 148/5, following Darren Lehmann's dismissal via a run out, to add 88 runs, before the latter was caught for 31, when he top edged a pull. Symonds overpowered the bowlers in the last 3-4 overs though, to reach his century, as well as take Australia to the challenging total.

In reply, the Pakistan top order failed miserably against the likes of Jason Gillespie, and Kasprowicz. Yasir Hameed was the only one who managed to see off the Aussie pace men, making a stylish 47, before being the fourth batsman out, caught at slip by Hayden.

Despite the unconvincing start, Inzamam and Youhana didn't panic, and increased the tempo after the support bowlers came on to bowl. Pakistan looked well on their way to a win, when the two were batting, especially when they were able to bring down the required run rate to less than 8 with 10 overs remaining.

Inzamam did fall though, caught at cover by Symonds, to bring the match back into balance. However, soon Pakistan were staring down the barrel, as Kasprowicz on his return spell, first picked up Youhana for a well made 88, and then was instrumental in reducing the sub-continental country to 250/9.

With 17 runs required from 2 overs, with a single wicket in hand, things looked glum for Pakistan. But Sami revived the hopes, thumping Kasprowicz for a six off the first ball of the 49th over, thus brining down the equation to 11 off 11. The hopes were short-lived though, as the very next ball, a slower one, found Sami's stumps.

Australia 269 for 6 in 50 overs
ML Hayden 52(80), A Symonds 104*(103), Mohammad Sami 56/2(10)
Pakistan 259 all out in 48.2 overs
Inzamam-ul-Haq 72(85), Yousuf Youhana 88(98), JN Gillespie 26/2(8), MS Kasprowicz 47/5(9.2)

Australia beat Pakistan by 10 runs to win the 2004 NatWest International.

Posted by Sudeep