Pakistan crushed Australia by seven wickets in the opening Twenty20 international on Wednesday.
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.
Photo: AFP
The ease of Pakistan’s win marked them out as one of the favorites 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.
Faced with such a modest target, Pakistan did lose the wickets of Hafeez for 17, miscuing fast bowler Patrick Cummins to midwicket, Nasir Jamshed (10), bowled hitting across the line from Ben Hilfenhaus and Imran Nazir (22) who drilled a full toss from Watson to David Hussey at extra-cover.
However, Kamran Akmal (31 not out) and Shoaib Malik (nine not out) showed their experience and eased their side across the line, much to the delight of the thousands of Pakistan fans at the Dubai International Stadium.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely