Pakistan Thrash Aussies
Australia slumped to their second-lowest total of all time as Pakistan cruised to victory in the first Twenty20 international on Wednesday.
The Aussies were bowled out for 89 in the 20th over before Pakistan reached the target with seven wickets and 31 balls to spare at the DSC Cricket Stadium in Dubai.
Australia's total was their lowest since 2005, when they were routed for 79 by England in only the second T20 international ever played.
Sohail Tanvir (3-13) led the charge for Pakistan, while Saeed Ajmal (2-13), debutant Raza Hasan (2-15) and captain Mohammad Hafeez (2-24) also chipped in.
Only three Australians - David Warner (22), Cameron White (15) and skipper George Bailey (14) - reached double figures with the bat.
In reply, Kamran Akmal top-scored for Pakistan with an unbeaten 31 off 24 deliveries that included three fours and a six - more boundaries than Australia's batsmen combined.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl, putting Australia on the back foot immediately.
Seamers Umar Gul and Tanvir made the first couple of strikes, dismissing opener Shane Watson (eight) and Michael Hussey (one).
From there, the spinners took control, taking the last eight wickets for a mere 43 runs.
David Hussey (three), Matthew Wade (six) and Glenn Maxwell (four) fell cheaply, while Pat Cummins (one), Ben Hilfenhaus (0) and Xavier Doherty (six not out) offered little resistance in the lower order.
Watson (9-1), Cummins (14-1) and Hilfenhaus (18-1) struck with the ball, though their efforts were in vain as Australia fell to their heaviest ever T20 defeat in terms of balls remaining.
The second of the three-match series takes place at the same venue on Friday.
Brief scores
Australia 89 (Warner 22, Tanvir 3-13)
Pakistan 90 for 3 (Kamran Akmal 31*)
Result Pakistan beat Australia by 7 wickets
MOM Mohammad Hafeez (Pakistan)
Australia's total was their lowest since 2005, when they were routed for 79 by England in only the second T20 international ever played.
Sohail Tanvir (3-13) led the charge for Pakistan, while Saeed Ajmal (2-13), debutant Raza Hasan (2-15) and captain Mohammad Hafeez (2-24) also chipped in.
Only three Australians - David Warner (22), Cameron White (15) and skipper George Bailey (14) - reached double figures with the bat.
In reply, Kamran Akmal top-scored for Pakistan with an unbeaten 31 off 24 deliveries that included three fours and a six - more boundaries than Australia's batsmen combined.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl, putting Australia on the back foot immediately.
Seamers Umar Gul and Tanvir made the first couple of strikes, dismissing opener Shane Watson (eight) and Michael Hussey (one).
From there, the spinners took control, taking the last eight wickets for a mere 43 runs.
David Hussey (three), Matthew Wade (six) and Glenn Maxwell (four) fell cheaply, while Pat Cummins (one), Ben Hilfenhaus (0) and Xavier Doherty (six not out) offered little resistance in the lower order.
Watson (9-1), Cummins (14-1) and Hilfenhaus (18-1) struck with the ball, though their efforts were in vain as Australia fell to their heaviest ever T20 defeat in terms of balls remaining.
The second of the three-match series takes place at the same venue on Friday.
Brief scores
Australia 89 (Warner 22, Tanvir 3-13)
Pakistan 90 for 3 (Kamran Akmal 31*)
Result Pakistan beat Australia by 7 wickets
MOM Mohammad Hafeez (Pakistan)
