Runs flow, honours even

Shane Watson and Brad Haddin continued their ferocious attack on the Pakistan A bowlers this afternoon, with both picking up centuries.

Resuming from 5/307 overnight, the two big-hitters continued to pile on the runs, going from strength to strength in their partnership of 268 until Haddin holed out off tireless left-arm orthodox bowler Abdur Rehman.

Watson continued to score at a frenetic pace, and was matched blow-for-blow by left-arm quick Mitchell Johnson. Johnson, who had never before hit a first-class fifty, spanked his 51 not out from just 58 balls as Australia declared mercifully at 6/510. Watson, who has two first-class double centuries to his name and one grade-level 300, was left not out on 161.

Haddin, happy after posting such a massive score, opened the bowling with Shaun Tait and Johnson to rough the Pakistanis up, a move which backfired due to the integrity and strokeplay of former test and one-day international cricketer Mohammad Hafeez.

A player with seven first-class hundreds to his name, Hafeez hit twelve fours and one meaty six to finish on 86 not out tonight.

Pakistan A only required the use of three batsmen this afternoon, with Hafeez gaining valuble support from Rafatullah Mohmand and Shahid Yousuf in dragging Pakistan to 1/165. With two days left, the game is still to be won.

Australia A 1st innings
6 Declared /510
Shane Watson 161*
Brad Haddin 129
Mitch Johnson 51*
Abdur Rehman 3/145
Mohammad Hafeez 2/116

Pakistan A 1st innings
Mohammad Hafeez 89*
Rafatullah Mohmand 39
Shahid Yousuf 30*
Mitch Johnson 1/45