Thaindian News

Gros Islet (St. Lucia), May 3 (IANS) Australia began their World Twenty20 campaign in style as they outclassed defending champions Pakistan by 34 runs at the Beausejour stadium here Monday.

If their shocking loss to Zimbabwe in the warm up match raised any doubts about their chances here, the Australians successfully snuffed them, first by posting an imposing 191 from their 20 overs and then restricting Pakistan to 157.

The Pakistan bowling and fielding were far from impressive and Shane Watson (81) and David Hussey (53) exploited them to the hilt to come up with stellar half centuries.

Hussey, when on 18, was given a lifeline by Salman Butt and the Australian made full use of the opportunity when he smashed Mohammad Sami for four sixes in the 16th over.

The only blemish in the otherwise flawless performance of the Australians was the extraordinary five-wicket maiden last over bowled by 18-year-old left arm quick Mohammad Aamer. The youngster, who was wicketless till the last over, picked up three wickets while the other two were run out.

Pakistan, who were given a fright by a novice Bangladeshi side Sunday, didn’t learn their lessons and could be seen struggling in every department.

Shaun Tait (3-20) and Dirk Nannes (3-41) derailed the Pakistan’s chase, to leave them tottering at 70 for four in one stage.

Openers Kamran Akmal and Butt, who came up impressive half-centuries against Bangladesh, failed to repeat their performances, with Akmal being sent back by Nannes in the very first ball of the innings.

Misbah-Ul Haq (41) and Shahid Afridi with their 47-run stand tried to revive their chances, but that was not enough to arrest the Pakistan slide.

Earlier, deciding to bat, Australia were off to a brisk start with Watson at his devastating best. He was soon joined by Hussey and the two pummeled the Pakistani attack in their 98-run stand.

Hussey’s blitzkrieg came in just 29 balls with fives sixes and two fours and he overshadowed Watson during his stay.

Watson, on the other hand, was brutal against Mohammad Hafeez (1-47), hoisting him for three sixes to bring up his fifty in the 10th over. His 49-ball innings features four sixes and seven fours.

The Australians could have stretched the total further but Watson and Hussey’s departure, both victims of Pakistan’s last year star Saeed Ajmal (3-34), triggered a mini-collapse, with seven wickets falling in last four overs.