DUBAI, (Reuters) – Pakistan crushed Australia by seven wickets in the opening Twenty20 international yesterday.
Australia were dismissed for 89 in 19.3 overs after being out into bat, their second lowest completed innings in Twenty20 history, only managing three fours, all of which came in the first four overs.
Pakistan made light of their modest target, cruising home in 14.5 overs for the loss of only three wickets.
The ease of Pakistan’s win marked them out as one of the favourites for the ICC World Twenty20 tournament which starts in Sri Lanka on Sept. 18.
For Australia, it was a chastening loss just two days after the joy they experienced in winning the one-day international series 2-1.
“If there was just one reason why we only made 89 then we would rectify it but hopefully it’s just one bad performance and we’ll try not to repeat it again,” Australia captain George Bailey told reporters.
Pakistan impressed in the field and their spinners once again proved effective at shackling the Australian batsmen.
The wickets were shared among the bowlers, with Sohail Tanvir capturing three, spinners Saeed Ajmal, debutant Raza Hassan and captain Mohammed Hafeez two apiece, and Umar Gul one.
“We were very sure about our plans and the bowlers did well to restrict Australia to that total. Our batting and bowling was excellent and the energy (in the field) was good. It’s a great sign for Pakistan cricket,” Hafeez told reporters. Australia’s total was only 10 runs more than their lowest completed T20 innings.
Only three players made double figures for Bailey’s side, opener David Warner (22), Bailey himself with 14 and Cameron White who made 15.
