Australia win first ODI against Pakistan
Australia defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the first ODI of the Commonwealth Bank Series in Brisbane on January 22. Chasing a competitive target of 275 for victory, the home team knocked off the required runs with nine deliveries to spare.
Cameron White played a stellar role in Australia’s victory with a magnificent innings of 105 which contained four sixes. Michael Clarke (58) gave him company to add 102 for the fourth wicket before being run out. Mike Hussey remained not out with 35 after hitting the winning boundary.
Choosing to bat first, Pakistan scored a challenging 274 in which Salman Butt top-scored with 72. Younis Khan, back in the team after a long lay-off, made a patient 46. But the innings got real momentum from Shahid Afridi, who played a cameo of 48 off just 26 deliveries. Shane Watson finished with his best ever figures of 4 for 36, and he was well supported by Clint McKay (3/61) and Doug Bollinger (2/37).
White was named Man of the Match.
Brief scores: Pakistan 274 (Butt 72, Afridi 48, Younis 46; Watson 4/36, McKay 3/61, Bollinger 2/37); Australia 275 for 5 (White 105, Clarke 58). Australia won by 5 wickets.
