Chasing 163 to level the series following a 23-run loss on Monday, Australia were off to an aggressive start with captain Michael Clarke (30) promoting himself up the order in the absence of Shane Watson. A mounting asking-rate and accurate, block-hole death bowling by Pakistan, including Akhtar’s 90mph-plus short balls, allowed Pakistan to maintain their hold on the match as the Australians were bundled out for 151 in the final over.
Earlier, Shahzaib Hasan failed to score for the second match running as Afridi opted to bat again under grey skies. Salman Butt and Kamran Akmal, however, flayed the Australian attack to all parts of the ground and while Umar Akmal looked out of sorts, Pakistan managed 162 that proved to be enough to win the series.
Pakistan will now take on Leicestershire in a two-day warm-up match at Leicester starting tomorrow before travelling to Lord’s for the first Test that starts on July 13.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 7th, 2010.
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