Pakistan draw first blood
Published:Wednesday | April 22, 2009 | 7:12 PM
Over at Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Shahid Afridi starred with bat and ball to inspire Pakistan to a comfortable four-wicket win over Australia in the opening one-day cricket international today.
Afridi took a career-best six for 38 in helping to oust Australia for 168 in the 39th over.
He then went in at the fall of the fourth wicket with pressure mounting, and smashed 24 runs including five boundaries in 16 balls.
Pakistan reached 171 for six with the first ball of the 45th over to win the first match in the five-match series at Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium.
James Hopes top scored for Australia with an unbeaten 48, while Shaun Marsh chipped in with 41 and Shane Watson scored 40.
Kamran Akmal 48, Misban-ul-Haq 30 not out scored most runs for Pakistan.
It was the first ODI between Pakistan and Australia since February 2005.