Pakistan v Australia at Headingley – day four report
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 beat Australia by three wickets to claim their first Test victory in this fixture for 15 years. But they were made to work for it in the end.
The “hosts” of this two-Test series that was being held in England, had begun the day in what appeared to be a commanding position at 140-3, needing just another 40 wins to claim that much-needed victory.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 had appeared to throw away all chance of victory with a woeful display of batting in the first innings, which produced a paltry 88 runs, and even a second-innings total of 349 seemed only token resistance after Pakistan’s solid start to their second innings yesterday.
But Ricking Ponting’s side kept pushing in the field and Pakistan almost cracked as they managed to lose four wickets to turn a stroll into a tense denouement.
The wickets of Azhar Ali (51), Umar Akmal (8), Shoaib Malik (10) and Kamran Akmal (13) all fell before Mohammad Aamer and Umar Gul (pictured), who hit the winning run, finally heaved Pakistan over the line in a somewhat ungainly fashion.
But that did not lessen the celebrations as the series finished all square.
The match may not down as one of Ponting’s favourites but it was a perfect start for new Pakistan captain, Salman Butt, who was promoted into the role after http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-c89347 Afridi's shock resignation, and retirement from Test cricket after only a one-match return, immediately after the 150-run defeat at Lord's last week.
The new captain admitted that even he had doubts over whether his team could pull of the win. "Knowing the history yes,” he said. "Honestly, it was a bit nerve-wracking. It became that way once a few wickets fell, but that's the way that cricket goes.
"When you have this added responsibility you tend to think a bit more, especially when you are new and only in you first game. Thank God it went positively and we won."
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