Aussies invincible no more
LEEDS:
Despite early morning jitters and a flurry of nervy stroke-play, Pakistan ended its 13-match losing streak against Australia with a three-wicket win in the second and final Test at Headingley.
Needing 40 to win on the fourth day with seven wickets in hand, Pakistan lost their overnight pair of Azhar Ali (51) and Umar Akmal (eight) early and a formality soon turned into a nerve-wracking scenario as the experienced duo of Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal followed suit with the series-levelling victory in sight.
Umar Gul, however, scored the winning runs off the first delivery he faced as Pakistan registered their first win against Australia since 1995. It also gave Salman Butt a winning start to his Test captaincy that he was presented with following Shahid Afridi’s retirement after the 150-run loss at Lord’s last week.
“Thank God,” said a relieved Salman after the win. “The young team did a great job and in the end the whole team contributed to the wonderful win.”
Pakistan will now take on hosts England in a four-match Test series that starts in Nottingham on Thursday.
detailed STORY, PAGE 16
Published in The Express Tribune, July 25th, 2010.
Despite early morning jitters and a flurry of nervy stroke-play, Pakistan ended its 13-match losing streak against Australia with a three-wicket win in the second and final Test at Headingley.
Needing 40 to win on the fourth day with seven wickets in hand, Pakistan lost their overnight pair of Azhar Ali (51) and Umar Akmal (eight) early and a formality soon turned into a nerve-wracking scenario as the experienced duo of Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal followed suit with the series-levelling victory in sight.
Umar Gul, however, scored the winning runs off the first delivery he faced as Pakistan registered their first win against Australia since 1995. It also gave Salman Butt a winning start to his Test captaincy that he was presented with following Shahid Afridi’s retirement after the 150-run loss at Lord’s last week.
“Thank God,” said a relieved Salman after the win. “The young team did a great job and in the end the whole team contributed to the wonderful win.”
Pakistan will now take on hosts England in a four-match Test series that starts in Nottingham on Thursday.
detailed STORY, PAGE 16
Published in The Express Tribune, July 25th, 2010.