Story Sharjah Cup FINAL - India VS Pakistan

[aussie1st]

Cmon you Aussies, time to keep wickets in hand.

 

[ashu2411]

Now S. Akhtar also joins the party as he gets the big wicket of Australian captain Ricky Ponting. Ponting was plumbed right in front of wickets and umpire Kuertzen had no doubt in his mind on raising the finger. So Ponting gone for 18 and Australia now 82/3 in 17 overs.

Australia is struggling now with Katich and Clarke on crease. Australia needs a big partnership now between these two. Katich is in great form after a lovely inning against India. Clarke is yet to make some runs on this tour. Akhtar bowled a magnificent spell today with great pace and accuracy and conceded only 3 runs off his 9 overs and took the big wicket of Aussies Captain.

 

[ashu2411]

Finally a partnership going for Australia as they build up 43 runs partnership for fourth wicket. Australia is scoring at a very good run rate as they reached 125 in 25 overs. Katich looked to continue from where he left in last match and hit 5 gorgeous boundaries and reached to 35 in no time. This inning included shots all over the ground which were very well timed and none of them was slog. Clarke on the other end gave a good support to take his score patiently to 12 off 15 balls. Abdul Razzaq bowled well for his 6 overs but failed to pick any wicket. The spinners have looked ordinary with Kaneria getting only 1 over.

Now the run rate for Aussies is really good and if they can protect some wickets till the end, then I think Australia is set for a huge total.

 

[sachinisgod2]

Katich is batting well.

 

[aussie1st]

Cmon Clarkey you can do it!

 

[amitbansal]

Australia is looking in strong position.

 

[ashu2411]

Australia is looking in strong position.

If this partnership stays for another 10 overs, then Aussies are set for around 300.

 

[ashu2411]

The partnership between katich and Clarke continued to frustrate Pak bowler and both completed a 50 run partnership among them for fourth wicket.

In the mean time, Katich got to his half century off 65 deliveries which included 6 boundaries. The Australian score is now 152/4 in 30 overs. These two now have added 70 runs for 4th wicket.

 

[sachinisgod2]

lovely inning from Katich. Pakistan is trouble.

 

[Bala]

Another priceless knock by Kato. Pity he is not in the Australian team now!

 

[brettLee]

oh well played..but still 20 overs to go
so Aussie need more from you kats

 

[ashu2411]

Pakistan finally got a breakthrough as Kaneria got Katich caught behind to Akmal. Katich made exactly 50 before getting out. This was a very important wicket for Pakistan as they broke a set partnership and they were also now looking to accelerate the inning. This wicket will surely slow down Aussies a bit. Hussey is the new batsmen and Australia now 153/4 in 30 overs.

Pakistan now have a very good chance of creating some pressure and pick one or two more wickets. Australia needs to accelerate now to get around 300.

 

[ashu2411]

Now with wickets in hand, Clarke decided to press the accelerator button. He launched an all out attack on all Pakistani bowlers by taking alot of risks but still played smartly to get boundaries. In quick time, Clarke and Hussey added 35 runs in five overs for fifth wicket. Pakistani bowling was ordinary as its spinners were smashed all over the park. Kaneria, Afridi and Malik none of them created any kind of trouble for Australia bowlers. Razzaq was the pick of bowlers after a good first spell by Akhtar.

Now Australia is in really strong position with 188/4 in 35 overs. Only 15 overs are remaining now and score above 300 is still possible.

 

[ramesh1986]

clarke is looking really good. Austraslia will win this now.

 

[Cricketman]

cmon hussey! :happy