Cricket: Clarke pleased after win over Afghanistan

Australia captain praises quicks after 66-run victory over minnows.

SHARJAH: Australia captain Michael Clarke was pleased with his fast-bowlers’ performance as his team defeated Afghanistan by 66 runs in their first-ever One-Day International match.

Australia posted 272 for eight despite some hiccups in the middle overs before overcoming a tough mid-innings resistance by Afghanistan who were eventually bowled out for 206.

Michael Clarke hit a 94-ball 75, while Matthew Wade also made 75 to help Australia’s cause. Strapping new-ball bowlers Mitchell Starc (four for 47) and James Pattinson (three for 46) then rattled Afghanistan’s top order, dismissing the first four batsmen for 49 runs.

“The bowlers did well to get us wickets but I must give credit to the batsmen as well for getting us to 272,” said Clarke. “It was nice to have a good start to the tour, obviously with the heat and dry pitch.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27^th, 2012.