Maxwell, bowlers stun Pakistan to make it 4-0
Pakistan, led by a century on debut from Abid Ali, had the game seemingly signed, sealed and delivered with nine overs left to play in their chase of 278. However, the home side collapsed from 218/2 to 271/8 to hand Australia their seventh consecutive ODI victory. While Mohammad Rizwan reached his second ODI century along the way, it proved another disappointing night for Pakistan.
Nathan Coulter-Nile was the pick of the Australian bowlers, collecting 3/53 from his 10 overs, and credit must also be given to Nathan Lyon and Adam Zampa, after both spinners finished with economical figures of 1/49 from their 10 overs.
What a win for Australia!
— ICC (@ICC) March 29, 2019
Pakistan were cruising at 218/2, but they finish on 271/8 – Australia win by six runs. The visitors go 4-0 up in the series. #PAKvAUS SCORECARD ➡️ https://t.co/v3mwIF6hlk pic.twitter.com/tBmdZGrKzP
Australia’s bowling resurgence followed on from a batting performance that enjoyed it’s very own revival: a sixth-wicket stand of 134 between Glenn Maxwell and Alex Carey. The pair joined forces after Usman Khawaja fell for 62, with Australia in a less-than-comfortable spot at 140/5.
After hitting 71 in the previous ODI, Maxwell starred once more for his side, albeit with luck on his side. The all-rounder was dropped early in his innings by Rizwan behind the stumps, and had another slice of fortune when Junaid Khan failed to get to a chance at long-on.
He was bowled off a no-ball from Usman Shinwari when on 76, and it seemed likely that he would collect his second ODI century. Unfortunately for the Melbourne Stars captain, a run-out in the final over of the innings when he was on 98 ended his stay.
Carey was out for 55, but a total of 277/7 was, nonetheless, an imposing one.
Abid Ali brings up a century on debut! 💯🙌
— ICC (@ICC) March 29, 2019
He's the third player to do so in his maiden ODI for Pakistan after Saleem Elahi and Imam-ul-Haq! #PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/mgzX4G3OBZ
While Shan Masood departed without scoring, it seemed a fairytale day for Pakistan’s other opener, Abid Ali. Making his international bow at the age of 31, the right-hand batsman proceeded to hit the highest score by a Pakistani on ODI debut, and together with the diminutive Rizwan, put on a third-wicket stand of 144.
While Rizwan remained fighting after Abid finally departed, the screws suddenly turned on Pakistan as an inexperienced line-up – Saad Ali was another batsman on debut – struggled to dig out boundaries and calm the nerves.
In the end, the side that has enjoyed a dramatic turnaround in their ODI fortunes, rose up once more, stealing victory from the jaws of defeat.