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This has been Pratyush and myself (Rishab) as we wrap things up for the night. Australia have been comprehensive and will look to seal the series in the next game. Pakistan are now in a do-or-die situation to keep the series alive. Which way will it go? Do join us back to find out as we will return for the second game. Until then, catch up on all the action happening elsewhere and stay tuned. Have a good night folks!
Right then, this has been a terrific performance from a rather young Australian side in the first game of the series. They did well with the bat first up to post a challenging total on this track. Travis Head was simply sensational to give them the kind of start that powered them early on. Ben McDermott and Cameron Green made some vital contributions as well. Pakistan did well to pull things back with the ball towards the end though.
It was never going to be an easy chase for the hosts and they needed to start well. They lost an early wicket in Fakhar Zaman. Babar Azam and Imam Ul Haq did put up an impressive partnership but they probably spent too much time in the middle and slowed the rate down. Either of them should have taken the responsibility to up the anti at that stage. They failed to do so and it was just too much to do for the rest of the batters coming in there after. Imam did score a magnificent hundred as well but it was not enough eventually.
Australia were brilliant with the ball throughout as well. They kept the batters under check at all times and it was an all-round effort from them. Adam Zampa was the lead with the ball, picking up four wickets while Swepson and Head picked up a couple each as well. Travis Head with a fine all-round game taking his opportunity with both hands.
Australia are missing a lot of their key players and this has been a phenomenal performance despite that. Aaron Finch is going to be proud of this young group coming together the way they have and this is a big boost for the team as well. They will certainly take this momentum going forward into the series.
As for Pakistan, they have got some thinking to do with the batting and they way they paced this chase. The intent has got to be better and that is something they will have to work on.
Aaron Finch: We felt we probably needed around the 300-mark having no experience here. Head got us off to a flyer and made it easy for us. Some good contributions apart from his hundred. We felt that we needed an extra spinner and it was just one of those things. We were flexible with the team that we select and I am proud with the way the boys took on the challenge. If we had to bat second, once someone gets in you have to cash in and that is something we have to learn as well.
Babar Azam: It was a chaseable total. They way we started was not good. We gave many runs at the start but we came back well. When myself and Imam were playing, we lost grip when I got out and it was tough for the new batters with the ball gripping. They gained momentum and it becomes tough with losing back to back wickets. When your main players are not available you have to take chance. We could not execute it the way we wanted to. We will work on the mistakes and try not to repeat them.
Travis Head (Player of the match): Nice to get in a look at the top and take the opportunity. We set the platform nicely, Finchy and I. With the dew coming in, we wanted to get some quick runs at the top and get a nice total on the board. There are a lot of unknowns, obviously after playing here after a long time. Obviously, a different wicket from the Test matches under the lights. It was a case of seeing what's in front of us and execute our plans. It's nice to bowl when called upon. It may not be the whole series but when the opportunity arises, I'm happy to do a job. Nice win for us.
A special recognition award to umpire Aleem Dar. He's been in charge of more than 500 games in his career so far. A nice touch from the Pakistan Cricket Board at the presentations.
Adam Zampa: The boys played well and it was a competitive total. We thought it was going to be tough to defend but our bowlers were impressive and we got the result in the end. It was tactical stuff. we do research on the opposition and try to run some plans. Not a lot in the wicket., it stayed low and was skidding through. It started to spin late. It has been great. We are happy and having a great time. A really good experience so far. Travis has been out for a while and to comeback and get a match-winning performance is great
And that is that. Done and dusted. Pakistan are bundled out for just 225 and this has been a clinical all-round display from Australia. A thumping 88-run win to take the 1-0 lead in the three game series. Excellent performance with a young team and they will be extremely pleased with this effort!
46.0
45.2 Mitchell Swepson to Haris Rauf, HOLED OUT AT LONG-ON! That will be that. Australia get the job done! Dished out a full toss as Rauf looks to deposit it 10 rows back into the stands. No timing on it though and it's right down the throat of Abbott at long-on, who gobbles it up with the reverse cup. A comprehensive win for the visitors! Australia win by 88-runs to take a one-nil lead in the three-match series.
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Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
