*Official* Pakistan in Australia

[thierry henry]

160.9kph isn't actually over 100mph. It's rounded up to 100mph, but it's only 99.98mph.

Akhtar's fastest was in fact 161.0kph. Hence:

Slats just said on air (and it sounded like he'd been doing some research) that Lee and Akhtar both bowled faster than 160.7kph at the 2003 World Cup.

The more I think about it the more I'm pretty sure Akhtar's ball to Knight topped 100mph, hence the fanfare.

Surprising how inaccurately this data is kept.

 

[R_D]

Pakistan trying their best to lose this match.

 

[thierry henry]

lol, guy from The Hangover clings on in the crowd

 

[inbox24]

Mesmeric Melbourne!

 

[thierry henry]

This Pakistan side's ability to lose is extraordinary.

And dare I say it, Mr U Akmal had the win in the palm of his hand on two occasions on this tour and threw it away

 

[pasag]

lol, huge

 

[Sir Alex]

Unbelievable. It is like Sydey all over.

 

[Uppercut]

Well that was tremendous fun. Love Shaun Tait so much.

 

[Briony]

Pakistan is just not very good but compounds this with a singular lack of intelligence among its batsmen.

 

[AlanJLegend]

Well I'll be damned.

Pakistan have 'done a Pakistan'.

 

[Sir Alex]

Deary me. Pakistan.

 

[_Ed_]

Must be soul-destroying being a fan of that team. I don't think I could cope.

 

[Burgey]

It's official;

Australia are as bad at Twenty20 as Pakistan are at cricket.

It's a splendid performance from the World Champs nevertheless.

Well, now Australia have beaten the World CHampions, that must mean....

That was like one of those dud games of footy played between 13th and 15th on the ladder where the ineptitude of the players and consequent close scores keep the fans interested despite the standard being sub-par. Highlight for me was certainly the pace bowling of Asif, Gul, Tait and Nannes. Thought Steve Smith bowled ok on debut, and Watto at the death was great too.

 

[Matt79]

T20... Well I guess I'm a convert now.

Great work from Clarke and the Aussie bowlers to defend that. How good was Smith's effort for a 20yo debutant?

 

[Matt79]

Well, now Australia have beaten the World CHampions, that must mean....

That was like one of those dud games of footy played between 13th and 15th on the ladder where the ineptitude of the players and consequent close scores keep the fans interested despite the standard being sub-par. Highlight for me was certainly the pace bowling of Asif, Gul, Tait and Nannes. Thought Steve Smith bowled ok on debut, and Watto at the death was great too.

Disagree tbh. Just a pitch with a bit of life and pressure. Amazing how
much better Pakistan are in this format. Afridi was obviously missed.

 

[Burgey]

And in other news, James Brayshaw makes Ian Healy sound like an impartial UN Observor. ****ing terrible.

 

[Uppercut]

Smith played well, yeah. His figures don't look too hot but Pakistan have played spin really well in the LO games here. Looks a good player.

 

[R_D]

This Pakistan side's ability to lose is extraordinary.

And dare I say it, Mr U Akmal had the win in the palm of his hand on two occasions on this tour and threw it away

Did get to face many balls during the last 3 overs or so though....

Watching the fast bowling was great........ Once again well done Pakistan that was truely Pathetic.

 

[Noble One]

Great finish.

Enjoyed it from start to finish. Tait and Nannes just jaw dropping with some of the speeds on display. Don't think I have ever witnessed a faster display of opening fast bowlers.

Thought Steve Smith did the job. Far better than he has bowled in the Big Bash this season. He has the right drift/spin/pace to be a really good leg-spinner, just needs to keep working on his accuracy.

Big credit to Clarke for how he kept Australia in the game. The wickets of Alam, Malik and Kamran Akmal would never have come without attacking captaincy.

 

[Burgey]

Smith would be very handy in the LO formats if he can bowl tightish and then bat anywhere in the lower middle order - can bomb 'em by all reports.

Still, if they're looking at him eventually, and I mean eventually, as a test prospect, I dunno if bowling 4-8 overs of darts per T20 or ODI is the greatest preparation for him.

Edit: @ Noble One - yeah true, Clarke's captaincy was good tonight. Low sores are sometimes a captain's friend - can try stuff as you're not really expected to win. If it comes off, you end up looking liek the greatest skipper ever. But he deserves credit for it imo.