The Hindu : Akhtar blows away Australia

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jun 20, 2002

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Akhtar blows away Australia

BRISBANE June 19. Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar bowled with speed, swing and accuracy at the `Gabba on Wednesday to grab five for 25 and help Pakistan beat Australia by 91 runs and win their one-day series 2-1.

Man-of-the-match Akhtar's speed was too much for captain Ricky Ponting and dangerous batsmen Damien Martyn, Darren Lehmann and Michael Bevan in a devastating four for 16 opening spell, leaving Australia reeling at 83 for six in the 19th over chasing Pakistan's imposing total of 256.

Akhtar, who also was named Player of the Series, bowled out Ponting and Darren Lehmann either side of a run-out that dismissed Adam Gilchrist, who had looked dangerous amassing 20 from 33 balls including three fours.

The `Rawalpindi Express' also had Martyn caught by Saeed Anwar and dangerman Bevan caught behind. Lehmann, batting with a badly bruised face after being hit by the ball while bowling earlier, was dismissed first ball by Akhtar.

Leg spinner Shane Warne (31) offered some resistance in a 57-run 7th wicket stand with Shane Watson before dragging a wide ball from Shahid Afridi onto his stumps.

Waqar Younis finished the job, getting Glenn McGrath leg before. Watson remained undefeated on 44.

Earlier, Pakistani opener Imran Nazir top scored with 66 to dominate a 94-run opening stand with Saeed Anwar after captain Waqar Younis won the toss and elected to bat.

Batting at number three, Yousuf Youhana started slowly but came out of his shell when Wasim Akram arrived at the crease. The veteran all-rounder smashed 49 in just 31 balls to provide a much-needed sting in Pakistan's tail.

Akram and Yousuf Youhana put on 88 from just 65 balls in an undefeated eighth wicket partnership to ensure Australia had a tough total to chase. Youhana ended undefeated on 61.

— AP

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