Maxwell leads Australia to ODI series win

Pakistan crash after century run stand in do-or-die clash

DUBAI:
Despite early wobbles an 85-run stand for the fourth wicket between captain George Bailey and Glenn Maxwell gave Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead over Pakistan in the second match of the three match ODI series played at the Dubai International Stadium.

Australia hunted down the modest 216 run target in the 43rd over of their innings after Pakistan bowlers had raised a glimmer of hope by accounting for Aaron Finch, Steven Smith and David Warner with 72 runs on the board in the 14th over of the innings.

Finch was dismissed by Mohammad Irfan who also took a superb catch-leaping full length at the long-on region to send Warner back.
In between Zulfiqar Babar accounted for Smith.

But there was little joy from there for Pakistan as Maxwell (76) made full use of Umar Akmal's dropped catch in the slips-early on in his innings.

Bailey was run out attempting a quick run, followed by Maxwell's dismissal.

Brad Haddin then played some big shots in the company of James Faulkner to take their team through to the series win with 40 balls and five wickets to spare.


Earlier a solid 126-run opening wicket partnership between Ahmed Shahzad and Sarfraz Ahmed was squandered by a listless middle-order as Pakistan mustered a mediocre first innings scored.

The two stayed at the crease for 25.1 overs before Shahzad perished after a 61 run contribution accumulated off 82 balls.

His loose drive was snapped by Glenn Maxwell off pacer Mitchell Johnson, Sarfraz scored 65 off 72 balls.

Misbahul Haq, Umar Akmal, Asad Shafiq and Afridi left in search of quick runs-Misbah's run out triggering a collapse.

Fawad Alam searched for timing with the bat and partners at the other end at the same time.

His torturous 39 ball unbeaten 20-run contribution summed up the second half of Pakistan's innings.

The Green shirts lost 10 wickets for 89 runs after the dominant opening stand.

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