Umar akmal blasts 64 as Pakistan end their 12-match losing streak against Australia with a 23-run win in first twenty20 international
Umar Akmal blasts 64 as Pakistan end their 12-match losing streak against Australia with a 23-run win in first twenty20 international
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| Pakistan's Umar Akmal in full flow during the first international Twenty20 against Australia at Edgbaston, Birmingham yesterday. PIC/AFP |
Pakistan beat Australia for the first time in 13 matches across all formats as they won the first Twenty20 international by 23 runs at Edgbaston here yesterday.
They were indebted to Umar Akmal's career-best 64 that helped Pakistan to a total of 167 for eight after they'd been 47 for four.
Australia, chasing 168 to win, were bowled out for 144 with off-spinner Saeed Ajmal (three wickets for 26 runs off his maximum four overs) and teenage left-arm quick Mohammad Aamer doing the bulk of the damage.
Victory put Pakistan 1-0 up ahead of the second and final Twenty20 today.
"It's been a long wait," Pakistan coach Waqar Younis told reporters. "But we got into a position to win and this time we finished it off."
Turning to Umar Akmal, still only 20-year-olds, fast bowling great Waqar added: "He's probably the most talented (Pakistan) player I have seen in the last 15 to 20 years. He can go all the way to the top."
Australia were 85 for four when Michael Hussey came to the crease. But Umar Gul captured the prize wicket of Michael Hussey by bowling him for 18 with a superb reverse-swinging delivery.
Gul then bowled Tim Paine, going across his stumps, to leave Australia needing 31 off 12 balls. Ajmal finished the match with eight balls to spare by having both Mitchell Johnson and Shaun Tait stumped.
"They played well," Australia captain Michael Clarke said of Pakistan.
"We were a little bit disappointing with the bat and Umar Gul bowled really well at the death and Ajmal is always hard, he spins the ball both ways."
