Andrew Symonds passed fifty as Australia gradually reeled in the target against Pakistan at the SCG. The huge Queensland allrounder has at times looked patchy, but has got the job done with an unbeaten 50 from 74 balls. If the home side had of been chasing down a 250 run target, Symonds innings may not have made the grade, however he and Ricky Ponting have combined well to assure Australia of victory.
Australia In Cruise Control - Australia 2/142 (30)
Australian batsmen Ricky Ponting and Andrew Symonds appeared set in cruise control as they edged closer to the 184 required for victory at the SCG. After 30 overs of play in front of a packed Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia are only 42 runs away from victory, needing only 2.10 runs per over to seal the match. Ponting has lead well from the front with 57 while Symonds is finding his top form with 54.
(The Australians cruising above the comparison with Pakistan)
(Australia in control with a strong performance in the middle half of the innings)
Captain Falls As The Horizon Comes Closer - Australia 3/168
Ricky Ponting would be kicking himself after being dismissed as Australia were within reach of a 2nd victory in the VB series. After doing the hard yards for his country, Ponting fell on a well made 73 with Australia 3/168. Ponting was eventually dismissed by the pairing of Shoaib Akhtar and his rival captain Inzamam-ul-Haq. Ponting looked to glance the ball on the leg side but could only find the large hands of Inzamam.
clarke. i was going to put hussey in but we only need about 20 runs to go. this match is pretty much in the bag so ill let pup have a run and spend some time in the middle
Well spotted Surrendar. Like you said could be a tough competition for everyone involved. Hope Clarke makes a not out to boost his confidence. Excellent work as always.
Symonds Steers Home Side To Victory - Australia 3/184
Andrew Symonds scored an unbeaten 71 from 97 balls as Australia wrapped up an easy 7 wicket victory over Pakistan at the SCG. It took the home side only 37.1 overs to wrap up the match, giving them a crucial bonus point in the race to the VB series final. Michael Clarke was the other not out batsman with 5.
"It was a great turnaround and im so pleased with the way we played. The bowlers really impressed infront of a great crowd which really shows we have a great depth in the national team at the moment. The youth development is really starting to shine which is great leading up to the Ashes. I think we should be able to take the momentum forward"
Ricky Ponting (Australian Captain)
"Very dissapointing performance by everyone today. Out batting was pathetic, we didnt give our bowlers any chance at bowling to a very tough lineup. Hopefully we can learn from this, this is the 2nd time we have lost convincingly to Australia and we will have to get our act ready for Brisbane."
Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan Captain)
"Im absolutly delighted with the way we performed today, the ball came out so well and its just so easy to concentrate on bowling quick when someone like Taity is bowling so tight at the other end. The mood around the bowlers is very positive and im pretty sure that showed in our performance today."
Win, with bonus point - 5
Win, without bonus point - 4
Tie or No Result - 2
Loss - 0
After 4 rounds of competition, the VB series is well and truely alive. Australia have gone ahead with the help of the bonus point to be clear on 5. However India are looking dangerous after having played only 2 games. No side could feel safe and no side could feel as though they are out of contention.
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