T20 Cricket: Pakistan take series after Super Over triumph against Australia

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September 8, 2012

Scorecard: Pakistan 151 for 4 (Hafeez 45, Jamshed 45) beat Australia 151 for 8 (Bailey 42, Ajmal 2-20) through Super Over

Pakistan's top order provided the platform for a big score

September 8, 2012

Scorecard: Pakistan 151 for 4 (Hafeez 45, Jamshed 45) beat Australia 151 for 8 (Bailey 42, Ajmal 2-20) through Super Over

Pakistan's top order provided the platform for a big score

Pakistan won the second Twenty20 International against Australia in a thrilling Super Over finish in Dubai on Friday, taking an unbeatable two-nil lead in the three-match series.

With both sides tied on 151 runs at the end of 40 fascinating overs in the match, a Super over round was played for the result.

Pakistan paceman Umar Gul restricted Australian batsmen David Warner, Shane Watson and George Bailey to 11 for one before Umar Akmal and Abdul Razzaq hit the required runs, the winner coming off the last delivery.

The match provided complete entertainment to a 25,000 sell-out crowd, who were left on the edges of their seats as both teams tussled for victory in the 40 overs.

Pakistan had made 151 for four, with Mohammad Hafeez (45), Nasir Jamshed (45) and Kamran Akmal (43 not out) contributing with the bat. George Bailey led the Australian run chase with a solid 42.

Australia needed 21 off the last two overs as Bailey hit two leg-side boundaries off Gul but his dismissal, with his team needing 10 off the final over, left Pakistan the favourites.

Pat Cummins hit Abdul Razzaq over long-on to tie the score but, off the last ball, the Australian tail-ender was caught, making it the sixth tied match in all Tweny20 cricket.

David Warner started Australia's run chase with a brilliant 31 off just 19 balls, hitting two boundaries and a six off Hafeez's first over.

But once Saeed Ajmal came on to bowl, the Australian innings faltered. Ajmal bowled Warner and then removed Watson (33), taking his wicket tally to 58 in T20I cricket, the joint top bowler alongoside countryman Shahid Afridi.

Watson had hit two boundaries and two sixes during his 28-ball knock.

Michael Hussey (23) and Bailey took the score to 109 before Hussey holed out to Gul. Australia at that point needed 43 off the last five overs.

Earlier Hafeez hit three boundaries in Cummins' first over of the match but fellow opener Imran Nazir was bowled for zero in Mitchell Starc's second over.

Hafeez and Jamshed shared a solid 76-run partnership for the second wicket as both charged the Australian bowling with some aggressive batting. Jamshed hit four boundaries and a six during his 36-ball knock.

He fell to a superb catch by Dan Christian off Cummins, as the fielder lunged backward and held the ball with his left hand. Hafeez hit six boundaries during his 42-ball knock.

Kamran added 46 for the fourth wicket with his younger brother Umar who made 13. Kamran hit six boundaries during his knock, helping Pakistan to 90 runs in the last 10 overs.


Courtesy: cric365