Classy Nasir Jamshed helped Pakistan to level the series against Australia in UAE. Unexpectedly Pakistan chased 249 on just 3 wickets against Australia with quite ease.
Match Story:
Australia's start was not much impressive as they lost wade in second over. David Warner once again was uneasy at the crease. You don't often see it.Warner scored a run after 18 deliveries. Warner and Clarke had a good partnership but then once again Pakistan spinners showed the world why they are best in the business. Mike Hussey(61 off 72) stood this time, with the help of Bailey(39 off 46) to get Australia out of the trouble and quite succeeded. Saeed Ajmal once again was a hero for Pakistan as he took 4 for just 32 in his 10. Australia finished their innings on 248 for 9 in quota of 50 overs.
Pakistan's reply was astonishing as they were right on top from the very first over, Australia never looked comfortable against the class of Nasir Jamshed. With 11 4's and two 6's scored brilliant 97 on just 98 deliveries. Azhar(59 off 86) and Misbah(35 off 34) also helped the Pakistan cause.
Analysis:
Star of the day was 22 years old left arm opener of Pakistan, Nasir Jamshed. In the heat of UAE where temperature is almost about 44 C in the morning, and still quite humid at night, Nasir showed his class for 152 minutes. He played some great shots all over the place. Funny thing about his innings was, it was completed in two months(started on 31st August and ended on 1st September). He is always impressive but need to work on his fitness, one can argue on Abu dhabi heat but fitness was also his problem in the past. If he can work on it he can even become a better prospect for the team.
Such a chase from Pakistan was really unexpected. I dont even remember last time Pakistan chased with so ease without any drama against one of the better team in the ratings. They were on top from the very first over, and never looked struggling. Even Misbah scored more then run a ball this time, Hafeez find some runs with the bat, which was a very positive sign. and Azhar Ali once again proved his selection in ODI.
Aussie batting line up still not reading the spinners well. Ajmal and hafeez seems to know every way how to handle Aussies. but Pakistan seamers still struggling for good line and length, Junaid khan replacing Aizaz Cheema was much impressive, picked up 3 wickets, leaking 52 runs, but Sohail Tanvir was awful, his recent performances are certainly not up to the mark. Anwar Ali should get a chance in next match.
Dew can be all important factor in the third ODI. As we seen Aussie were facing serious trouble to grip the ball. Maxwell was drying ball after every single delivery which can show how much dew was present there. Both captains at toss was also unsure what to do on this pitch. But loosing toss became the winning cause for Misbah in the end. It can become difficult to grip the bow. Important to note here, apart from dew factor Nasir's innings was classy, you have to give him credit to play such a master innings in UAE heat.
Decider to be played on Monday 3rd of September in Sharjah.
