Pakistan look to get even against Australia after opening ODI defeat

by Tauqeer Abbas
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Shafaqna Pakistan: Pakistan will be looking to bounce back in the second one-day international on Sunday, after suffering an eight-wicket thrashing by Australia in the opening fixture in Sharjah.

Pakistan, who rested six of their key players including regular skipper Sarfraz Ahmed in order to keep them fresh for the World Cup starting in UK from May 30, had a poor outing against Australia, who are on a roll after their win in India earlier this month.

Aaron Finch´s 116 off 135 balls helped Australia overhaul the 281-run target in 49 overs on a flat Sharjah stadium pitch.

Finch´s match-winning knock overshadowed Haris Sohail´s maiden ODI hundred (101 not out) which helped Pakistan to 280-5 in their 50 overs.

Left-hander Sohail, who reached 1,000 runs in his 27th ODI when on 40, anchored Pakistan´s innings, adding 98 for the third wicket with Umar Akmal who made a 50-ball 48 in his first international match for two years.

Pakistan had handed one-day debuts to opener Shan Masood and Mohammad Abbas — who have played 15 and 14 Tests, respectively.

In line with Pakistan’s objective to experiment ahead of the World Cup, PSL find Mohammad Hasnain, Abid Ali, and Saad Ali could all be in line for debuts at some point during the series.

Sunday´s second ODI is also being played in Sharjah, with the third in Abu Dhabi (March 27) and the last two in Dubai (March 29 and 31).

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