Thaindian News

Brisbane, Jan 22(ANI): Riding high on Cameron White’s splendid century, Australia thrashed Pakistan by five wickets in the opening game of the five match series here at the Gabba.

Set a target of 275, Australia lost their openers in quick session, but recovered with the help of White’s second ODI hundred, and support from Michael Clarke (58) and Michael Hussey (35 not out) to attain the score with nine balls to spare.

Formidable opening spells from Pakistani fast bowlers Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif had Australia on the back foot at 84 for 3, but White and Clarke held on with a partnership of 102 runs for the fourth wicket.

White produced his finest knock on home soil, smashing 105 off 88 balls with eight fours and four sixes.

Earlier, Pakistan openers Salman Butt and Kamran Akmal got Pakistan off to a flyer and added 62 runs for the opening wicket. It was some tight bowling by Australia’s seamers during the middle of the innings, which ensured that the runs dried up for the tourists.

Watson put the brakes as he broke the partnership dismissing Akmal for 34 with a well-disguised slower ball.

Doug Bollinger then scalped the wickets of Butt (72) and an unlucky Mohammad Yousuf (two), who played back onto his stumps.

Former captains Younis Khan and Shoaib Malik steadied the innings for Pakistan and brought up the 200 in the 39th over, and left all-rounder Shahid Afridi’s big hitting late in the innings to help the team to 274. Afridi smacked 48 from 26 balls in a stand that included three sixes and five boundaries.

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson was the most successful bowler for the home team, claiming four wickets for 36 runs off his 10 overs. (ANI)