Pakistan gets scores a consolation win by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Scorecard:	Australia v Pakistan
Player:	Kamran Akmal, CJ Ferguson, SR Watson
Event:	Australia in United Arab Emirates 2008/09

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DateLine: 4th May 2009

 

Kamran Akmal helped Pakistan to victory in the five-match ODI series against Australia. Akmal combined with Misbah-ul-Haq to chase Australia's total after coming together with Pakistan in trouble at 56 for 3. Their unbroken stand of 198 was an ODI record for the fourth wicket against Australia.

 

The pair complimented each other perfectly to frustrate the Australian bowlers. While Akmal used force Misbah walked across his crease frequently, working the bowlers into the vast expanses on the on-side. Pakistan began their chase on the wrong foot with another terrible mix-up between Ahmed Shehzad and Salman Butt, resulting in Butt's run-out in the first over without facing a ball. Younis Khan, after his most fluent innings of the series, holed out to deep long-on and Shehzad made a horrible error in judgement to gift Nathan Hauritz two wickets and leave Pakistan struggling at 56 for 3.

 

Michael Clarke could have ended a cramping Akmal's day on 97 as he strained for a single. The usually deadly Clarke missed from backward point and from there it was a fait accompli with Akmal cutting loose after Pakistan took the batting Powerplay in the 46th over.

 

On the back of Shane Watson's second one-day international century Australians produced their best batting display of the series. Watson punished the bad balls that were presented. Watson took part in three partnerships of more than 50. Ferguson overcame a nervous start to provide sound support for Watson finishing with 41 not out. After conceding 71 from the first ten overs, Younis Khan applied the brakes in the form of Ajmal and Shahid Afridi. The spinners operated through the bowling Powerplay, with Ajmal claiming Marcus North with a crafty piece of work from around the wicket.