Australia beat Pakistan by four wickets by AFP

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Ground:	Bellerive Oval, Hobart
Scorecard:	Australia v Pakistan
Player:	Shahid Afridi, Inzamam-ul-Haq, MJ Clarke, DS Lehmann
Event:	VB Series 2004/05

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DateLine: 16th January 2005

 

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)