Australia edge Pakistan in thriller to complete whitewash

Michael Hussey led Australia to victory in a nervy finish as they completed a 5-0 drubbing of Pakistan in the ODI series.

Australia beat Pakistan by two wickets in the last of five ODIs at Perth in a thrilling encounter which went down to the last over.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first. They would have wanted to get a strong start as they looked to avoid another defeat but things went horribly wrong. The visitors were reduced to 17 for three wickets in the Quick start overs with Salman Butt, Khalid Latif and Younus Khan back in the pavilion. Umar Akmal and Shoaib Malik pulled things together with a 60 run stand for the fourth wicket. Akmal was then part of another 82 run partnership with Fawad Alam as they put Pakistan in a competitive position with the danger man, Shahid Afridi still to come. But things did not go to plan as Australia struck back with two quick wickets and Pakistan was eventually bundled out for 212 despite Alam’s assault towards the end.

Australia performed well in the first 10 overs, scoring 53 runs despite losing Brad Haddin early. It looked like they would take the game away early but the visitors got rid of Shaun Marsh and Cameron White in quick succession. The bowlers made scoring difficult but Ricky Ponting and Adam Voges kept their cool, knowing they were still in a stronger position as reflected on the CI worm. Ponting went on to get a half century before losing his wicket in trying to play a big shot. Pakistan were lifted by the wicket and sensed an opportunity, getting the wickets of Adam Voges and James Hopes at a crucial stage which set up a grand finish. But Michael Hussey led a late charge with support from the lower order and got Australia right back in the contest. It went down to the last over and it was the home players, who held their nerve to get over the line under Extreme Pressure.

Clint McKay was adjudged Man of the Match for his four wickets which was achieved with a Bowling Efficiency of of 326.