Here are five things that we learned from the 50-over encounter:
Australia beat Pakistan by 92 runs in first ODI
1. Pakistan need to figure out how to chase
Never in doubt! #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/TzshdWBaUB
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 13, 2017
All those who say Pakistan are unpredictable should watch them chase targets. They are as clueless now as they were a decade ago. Scores of under 300 should not be this difficult to chase in today’s day and age. It just should not be!
2. Teams need big hitters
What a shot! #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/CNOXeNHhAn
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 13, 2017
It was telling to see Australia play Chris Lynn ahead of the more traditional and reliable Usman Khawaja. The message was clear; they wanted a big score. While their usual suspects failed, both Glenn Maxwell and Mathew Wade showed why they are so dangerous. Pakistan, on the other hand, have few batsmen who can clear the boundary with such enviable ease.
Pakistan told to expect 'scary' totals from Australia in ODI series
3. Fielding makes a difference
A minute of madness for Pakistani fielders. https://t.co/6TOS5KVBqe #AUSvPAK #cricket pic.twitter.com/ocm3ZEiezC
— Tribune Sports (@ETribuneSports) January 13, 2017
The age-old adage of catches win matches continues to ring true even as cricket evolves at the rate of knots. Australia were superb in the field, both in terms of their catching and their ground fielding, while Pakistan were not.
4. Wahab is past his expiry date
A daring shot from Wade. FOUR. https://t.co/6TOS5KVBqe #AUSvPAK #cricket pic.twitter.com/U2hiZ2oQ86
— Tribune Sports (@ETribuneSports) January 13, 2017
The left-arm pacer is clearly no longer the impact player he once was. He was always expensive but never has he looked more toothless. The batsmen seem to have way too much time playing him; a worrying sign for any fast-bowler. Junaid Khan should be drafted in for the next game
Australia hand Lynn, Stanlake ODI debuts against Pakistan
5. Imad Wasim is Pakistan’s best player
.@simadwasim claims another wicket. Marsh goes. Australia 78-5. https://t.co/6TOS5KVBqe #AUSvPAK #cricket pic.twitter.com/ISfPMfjiYT
— Tribune Sports (@ETribuneSports) January 13, 2017
How he was ignored in ICC’s ODI team of the year for 2016 is anyone’s guess as the all-rounder has been Pakistan’s standout player for some time now. Once again typically miserly with the runs, while also managing to pick two wickets, he also chipped in with a fighting 29, Pakistan’s second-highest score.
Short and @simadwasim cuts it past the keeper to beat the third man fielder. PAK need 115 in 13 overs https://t.co/xiiDbILxrb #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/esvB0CoKXw
— Tribune Sports (@ETribuneSports) January 13, 2017
If anyone can feel hard done by to be on the losing side, then it is this man.
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