Australia were brutally thrashed by Pakistan in the first Day-Night One Day International match in Dubai on Wednesday. Shahid Afridi rattled through the Australian batting as he registered his career best 6 for 38 and restricted the (now) arguably world champions for a mere 168. Pakistan conquered the Aussies by 4 wickets in the first game in the five match series.

Australia sorely regretted their decision to bat first after winning the toss. The entire team collapsed like a pack of cards against the Pakistani spin attack. 8 out of 10 wickets were bagged alone by the two spinners Afridi and Saeed Ajmal. They went fine till 4-107 scoring at nearly 5 per over. Afridi got Andrew Symonds (2) off keeper Kamran Akmal and the wickets toppled like dominos after that. Shane Watson (40) went back on the last ball of the same over. Australia lost 4 wickets in a gap of 3 runs and was 110 for 7 from 107 for 4.

James Hopes was the only hope for Australians today with his top score of 48. He built a 46-run partnership for the last wicket with Ben Hilfenhaus (4) as he dragged the innings already butchered by the spinners.  

Afridi single-handedly managed the job of destructing the Australian innings as he tolled Brandon Haddin (40), Shane Watson (40), Andrew Symonds (2), Callum Ferguson (2), Nathan Bracken (1) and Stuart Clark (2). He then returned with bat and played a quick fire 24 off 16 deliveries to take his team to victory.

Pakistan’s response to the puny target was not as exciting as the show they put up with bowling. Losing 2openers early in the game and achieving the small sum at a loss of 6 wickets with only 6 overs to spare dampened the dazzle.

After Salman Butt (5) and skipper Younus Khan (11) went back leaving Pakistan in a spot, Kamran Akmal (48) and Misbah-ul-Haq (30*) stabilized the innings. Australia got a few successes far and between but they never played to win today.

Shahid Afridi was awarded the Man of the Match prize for his spectacular performance. Australia need to tighten up the laces before they meet Pakistan again on Friday.

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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