Pakistan beat Australia by seven wickets on the back of a superb performance by their spinners in the first Twenty20 international at Dubai Stadium here yesterday
Saeed Ajmal, Hasan Raza and captain Mohammad Hafeez took two wickets apiece while paceman Sohail Tanveer took three as Australia were routed for their second lowest total of 89 in all Twenty20 internationals.
ADVERTISEMENT
Pakistan completed the win in 14.5 overs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Australia hit only three boundaries with their last coming in the fourth over as Pakistani spinners never allowed them to settle, reducing their opponents to their second-lowest Twenty20 total.
Opener David Warner top-scored with 22 off 25 deliveries, hitting two boundaries. Cameron White (15) and captain George Bailey (14) were the only others to reach double figures.
u00a0 Paceman Umar Gul dismissed Shane Watson (eight) in the third over while Tanvir accounted for Michael Hussey (one) in the next before Warner and Bailey put on the best stand — 33 for the third wicket. Pakistan’s spinners then came into their own, as the last eight wickets went for a mere 43 runs.