SHARJAH: Aaron Finch was sent packing for a 'Royal Duck'-dismissed on the first ball of the match, but Australia recovered well to set Pakistan a stiff target in the first of the three match ODI series being played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Steve Smith who walked in to bat after Finch's dismissal led his team's recovery by posting a superb century-his maiden one in the ODI format.
Smith was given good support by David Warner who was dismissed by Shahid Afridi-during a fine opening spell of bowling by the veteran leg-spinner.
Smith lost his partners George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell and James Faulkner yet held his end intact through an intelligent approach-mixing caution with aggression-he reached the 100-run mark of his 115 balls.
He finally returned to the pavilion in the 45th over of the innings-dismissed by Afridi, who ended his six match wickets drought by snapping three for 46 runs in the innings.
The late order batsmen failed to sustain the momentum provided by Smith-losing wickets in pursuit of quick runs.
Mitchell Johnson though turned it around in the final over of the innings where he scored three boundaries off Wahab Riaz-helping Aussies end their batting stint at 255 for eight.
Meanwhile fast bowler Junaid Khan who suffered a knee injury on the eve of the match was taken for a MRI scan during Australia's innings.
His participation in the ODI series remains doubtful due to the problem.
The remaining one-day matches will be played in Dubai (October 10) and Abu Dhabi (October 12). The one-days will be followed by two Tests.
Teams:
Pakistan: Misbah-ul-Haq (C), Ahmed Shehzad, Umar Akmal, Fawad Alam, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed, Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Irfan, Anwar Ali, Wahab Riaz, Zulfiqar Babar.
Australia: George Bailey (C), David Warner, Aaron Finch, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Brad Haddin, James Faulkner, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Johnson, Kane Richardson, Nathan Lyon.
COMMENTS (16)
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I think its about time that Pakistani cricket team gains physical strength by eating meat ... ooops they already do!! I guess there is no cure to their woes.
The difference between the two teams were very glaring in every aspect of the game, from their physical fitness, batting to bowling and fielding. We can never perform with any team unless PCB is made an autonomous and independent body, free from any interference from any quarter. Unless our team is trained to field properly,because this is the only aspect of the game which compensates for any weakness in our batting or bowling. Why do we not FOCUS to improve in fielding remains a mystery. If one compares our field placement with Australia, WI, SA etc; we are way-off. Today all games have become too technical and scientific.....and we know our leadership quality, no surprise when we loose and branded as most " un-predictable team ".
@Zahid: Atleast he could have bought the umpires like he used to at Lahore gymkhana.
I think the cricket commentary by Ramiz Raja was terrible. Whenever and whatever field placings he suggested were absolutely rubbish. For instance, when Wahab Riaz was bowling he took a mid-on fielder; Ramiz immediately objected; contending that Wahab did not bring the ball in to a right-hander, so a mid-off was required instead. On the next two balls a boundary was saved and a catch taken - at MID-ON. Ramiz did not have the decency to admit his mistake - the point is that commentators must realize that they should do their home work and realize the listening/watching spectators are critically evaluating their comments.
Always bad comes for this nation through former cricketers N these current one...,, Plzz leave this guys N do politics..!!
My surprise is unbelievable on reading this news item. I did not even know Pak team is in Sharjah for the Aussie team cricket match. Haaah! Go Nawaz go and help the team. Salams
The team is suffering from poor selection, incompetent team management a very inept and disloyal PCB and a highly corrupt Government back home.Go Nawaz Go.
ICC forced Aus to win this match.
Pakistan's problem is the coaches and selectors cannot go out and play. These players fail time and again and show no application or concentration. Afridi tried a ball but did not connect after that he hit the next ball in the air. When most experienced player shows no seriousness then what to say about new players. Afridi is loved by many Pakistanis and they deserve him. He can only play as a spinner under a strict captain. Otherwise he is a bad influence in the team. Not every batsman scores in every match but it is the attitude that counts. Australia cut Pakistan down to size.
Really fine all round performance by Australians. The real surprise was the spin attack we knew all along pacers such as Mitch. Johnson are superb. Perhaps Pakistan should consider rebuilding from scratch with young talent let people over 30 go,perhaps Irfan is an exception. Surprised to find youngsters like Reza Hassan and Nasim dropped, they seem to have done ok in 20 /20. After this series is over Voluntary resignation of coaches, selectors and captains is in order. But that is too much to expect. Is there anything in Pakistan cricket, Like retirement with dignity?
Why didn't Nawaz Sharif bat and ball to fix this? it proves that there was rigging. - A PTI supporter :)
@Motiwala On the other hand Afridi is the typical Pakistani. Arrogance, superiority complex, visiting a foreign country and after losing a match claiming only pakis have big hearts....typical Pakistani.
Ha ha ha, that's the national team. Beaten by the Kangaroos.
@Motiwala: keep comments to urselfs... also, we is winning this match, because Fawad Alam take us to victories...
I think Australia has a very competitive score on the board. We will require a match winning innings from one of our players. I really hope to see players like Umar Akmal and Asad shafiq prove their mettle today. Best of luck Pakistan Team!
Ali Khan Digital Engagement Team, USCENTCOM
Afridi is not captain material. Too arrogant. Considers himself God's gift to Pak Cricket. Huge ego. Go Afridi to Najmal Soothy