Ground: | Bellerive Oval, Hobart |
Scorecard: | Australia v Pakistan |
Player: | Shahid Afridi, Inzamam-ul-Haq, MJ Clarke, DS Lehmann |
Event: | VB Series 2004/05 |
Australia beat Pakistan by four wickets in their tri-series one-day cricket international at Bellerive Oval.
 
Pakistan had set Australia a respectable target after making 272 for 7 off their 50 overs. A stunning 56 off 26 balls from allrounder Shahid Afridi was one of the highlights on Sunday 
A 40-minute rain interruption saw the Australian run chase reduced to 253 off 45 overs -- a total they reached with the loss of six wickets and with two overs to spare. 
Replacement opener Michael Clarke set the stage with 97 runs off 99 balls -- his second half century in a row after hitting 66 when opening against the West Indies in Melbourne on Friday. 
He was partnered in a first-wicket stand of 107 by Simon Katich, who made 38 before he dragged an Azhar Mahmood delivery onto his stumps. 
Despite their loss, several Pakistani players had a welcome return to form with opener Salman Butt making 61 and captain Inzamam-ul-Haq a competent and top-scoring 68. 
Their bowling lacked the same consistency and the Australians were seldom threatened.(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)