Australia win ODI series 4-1 against Pakistan

AUSTRALIA cruised to a 57-run victory over Pakistan in the fifth and final one-day international at the Adelaide Oval yesterday.

After setting an imposing total of 369-7, thanks to a record opening partnership of 284 between David Warner ( top) and Travis Head, the Australians bowled Pakistan out for 312.

Pakistan’s Babar Azam scored 100 and Sharjeel Khan a quickfire 79, but the home side were always in control and celebrated Australia Day in style with a convincing win.

Warner and Head earlier got Australia away to a superb start, with Warner particularly damaging as he smashed the Pakistan attack to all parts of the ground.

Warner blasted 179 and Head 128 on their way to an opening stand of 284, a new Australian record for any wicket in ODIs.

Both batsmen made their highest scores in one-day internationals, with Head also recording his maiden international century.

After losing the toss and being asked to bowl first, the Pakistanis almost got the perfect start when Mohammad Amir enticed an edge from Warner with his first ball.

But a diving Azhar Ali at first slip couldn’t hold onto a difficult chance and Warner was soon in full flight.

He brought up his 50 from 34 balls and his 100 from 78 including 11 fours and two massive sixes. His 150 came from only 107 deliveries with 17 boundaries and three sixes.

Head was far more circumspect but once the ball stopped swinging after just four overs, he began to look more and more comfortable. – AFP