Thaindian News

Islamabad, May 3 (ANI): Australian opener Shane Watson scored a blistering 81 to take his team to a commanding total of 191 and convincingly beat Pakistan by 34 runs in their opening World Twenty20 match.

Man-of-the-match Watson’s innings was the cornerstone of Australia’s 191 all out, made after captain Michael Clarke won the toss.

Watson made defending champions Pakistan pay for drop chances by striking four sixes and seven fours in his blistering 49-ball innings and with David Hussey he put on 98 in under nine overs for the third wicket.

Australia’s total was effectively made off 19 overs as their innings ended in extraordinary fashion with a five-wicket maiden from Mohammad Aamer, but by then the damage had been done, The News reports.

“It’s a very good start from the boys, 191 runs in 19 overs The bowlers then did a great job in the first six overs and the boys caught really well as well,” said Clarke.

Captain Shahid Afridi said his team had been outplayed in all departments. “We missed some opportunities and the pacers struggled with their line. They (Australia) played very well, they batted, bowled and fielded well.”

Pakistan lost Kamran Akmal for nought to the first legitimate ball of their reply when he sliced Dirk Nannes to Steven Smith at short third man.

Salman Butt (15) miscued an attempted hook off fast bowler Shaun Tait and was caught by David Hussey before left-arm quick Mitchell Johnson’s second ball proved too much for Mohammad Hafeez, who pulled straight to deep square leg.

Australia, holding their catches, had reduced Pakistan to 34 for three inside five overs and they never looked like recovering from such a start.

Tait then had the satisfaction of bowling hard-hitting batsman Afridi for 33 before finishing the match by dismissing Saeed Ajmal off the last ball to finish with figures of three wickets for 20 runs.

Misbah top-scored for Pakistan with 41 in a total of 157 all out. (ANI)