da aviator aposta： Australia won a match they seemed to have lost
23-Jan-2000Australia won a match they seemed to have lost. And Pakistan lost agame which they should have won. That just about sums up the Carltonand United Series game between the two countries which ended in a15-run victory for Australia at Melbourne on Sunday.With Ijaz Ahmed and Moin Khan in full control, Pakistan seemed headedfor victory when there was a rain stoppage. On resumption, Pakistanlost their cool and composure even as the Australians kept theirs.At 201 for four after 40 overs, Pakistan needed only 60 runs from tenovers. But Ijaz Ahmed was out in the 41st over and Moin Khan followedin the next over. Still with the big hitting in form Abdul Razzaq atthe crease, Pakistan were not without hope. But his run out through abrilliant direct throw by Ricky Ponting saw Australia back in thedriver’s seat and ultimately they bowled out Pakistan for 245 in 48.5overs.In pursuit of a challenging target of 261, Pakistan lost Saeed Anwarearly but a second wicket stand of 61 runs off 10.4 overs betweenShahid Afridi and Ijaz Ahmed steadied the innings. But when Inzamamand Youhana failed to make substantial contributions, Pakistan at 140for four in the 30th over were in some trouble. However Ijaz and Moinadded 61 runs off 11 overs to put Pakistan in the favourities’circle. But the fall of Ijaz was a vital blow from which Pakistannever really recovered. The experienced right hander was bowled byShane Lee for 85 off 104 balls. He hit six fours and a six. Moin Khanmade a typical 33 off 36 balls with a six and a four. But in the endresult, credit must be given to the Australian bowlers who did justwhat was required in the crunch overs. Shane Lee was outstanding ashis figures of four for 37 off 8.5 overs will testify.Earlier, Australia with solid contributions from most of their toporder batsmen were able to post a challenging total of 260 for nine in50 overs. After the fall of Mark Waugh and Adam Gilchrist for 56 runsby the 12th over, Ponting and Michael Bevan put Australia on the roadto a good total by adding 66 runs for the third wicket off 12.5overs. After Ponting fell for 53 off 64 balls, inclusive of fivefours, Bevan and Andrew Symonds maintained the momentum with a fourthwicket partnership of 66 runs off 11.4 overs. The hard hittingSymonds’ 35 off 36 balls with two sixes and a four was just what theAustralians needed at this stage. Bevan played the sheet anchor roleto perfection before he fell in the 46th over for 83. The left handerfaced 101 balls and hit only one four besides a six. Saqlain Mushtaqpicked up two late wickets to restrict the Australians when theyseemed to be racing for a bigger total. Ultimately the total proved tobe just beyond the reach of the Pakistanis.The win took Australia’s tally to ten points from six games. Pakistanare stuck on six from the same number of matches.