Starc, Bailey lead Australia to 4wkt win over Pakistan in 1st ODI

By Osama Tariq

SHARJAH (TheSportsNext) August 29, 2012: Fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson dealt the early blow while George Bailey and skipper Michael Clarke delivered the final punch as Australia defeated Pakistan by four wickets in the first One Day International at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

 

Mitchell Starc took five wickets, his best figures in One Day career, while Michael Clarke and George Bailey hit gutsy half centuries against Pakistani spin trio on a slow and low pitch in Sharjah as the match lived up to the expectations of a quality international cricket match.

This is the first time Australia have beaten Pakistan in a One Day International at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Pakistani skipper Misbah ul Haq won the toss and decided to bat first but Aussie fast bowler James Pattinson delivered two early blows which hampered Pakistan’s progress early on.

Mitchell Starc soon joined his new ball partner and Pakistan clearly looked down the battle at three down for 40 runs on the board before skipper Misbah ul Haq (26) and Asad Shafiq (56) joined forces to added 59 valuable runs for the fourth wicket.

Misbah ul Haq played a reckless shot and lost his wicket to Dan Christian but incoming Umar Akmal (52) accepted the responsibility and together with Asad Shafiq added another 61 runs for the fifth wicket before poor shot selection during the Batting Powerplay overs made Pakistan dig their own grave.

Pakistan lost last six wickets for just 38 runs and couldn’t even last for full 50 overs as they were bowled out for 198 runs from 45.1 overs.

Mitchell Starc produced his best figures of ODI career as he captured five wickets for 42 runs while James Pattinson also played his part by taking three wickets for 19 runs. Mitchell Johnson received some stick from Asad Shafiq and Umar Akmal but still managed to grab a wicket for 43 runs.

Chasing a moderate target of 199 runs, Australia started in a cautious manner but Mohammad Hafeez once again proved his worth with an early wicket of dangerous David Warner (5) while Shahid Afridi got rid of Mathew Wade (10).

Saeed Ajmal soon got into the act and got rid of Hussey brothers. He sent Mike Hussey (5) back into the pavilion for his 100^thwicket in One Day International career before deceiving David Hussey (3) with a doosra to leave Australia in a spot of bother at four for 67 runs.

However, Australian skipper Michael Clarke (66) joined hands with Australian Twenty20 skipper George Bailey (57 not out) for 54 runs partnership for fifth wicket before Mohammad Hafeez returned in the Batting Powerplay to trap Clarke right in front of the wicket.

Still needing 78 runs for victory, Glenn Maxwell (38) gave Bailey good bit of sport for a 63-run sixth wicket partnership before George Bailey decided to use the long handle and struck Aizaz Cheema for a hug six over Long Off to make life easier for the visiting team.

In the end Australia completed the target with 10 balls to spare for the loss of six wickets to register their first-ever victory over Pakistan in Sharjah.

Mitchell Starc was declared Man of the Match for his brilliant spell of 5/42.

The second One Day International between Pakistan and Australia will be played on August 31, 2012 at Abu Dhabi.