In an incredible finish, the Australian One Day International side have defeated Pakistan by 1-run in Abu Dhabi. Defending 231 runs, Glenn Maxwell bowled a double-wicket maiden to keep the hosts scoreless and secure the win and sweep the series 3-0.
“Basically, don’t get hit for runs,” was the instructions from captain George Bailey as Maxwell prepared to bowl.
“It wasn’t going well until the last over,” Maxwell said during the post-match presentation. “Got a bit of luck in the end.”
The Aussies were not convincing with the bat, losing wickets consistently. A 54-run partnership between Steve Smith (77) and David Warner (56) was the best compiled by the Australian batsmen. Warner looked to be in trouble later in the match, injuring himself in the field and leaving for treatment.
The lack of consistency with the bat was countered by a good performance with the ball. All bowlers picking up 2 wickets in defence of the short Australian total. Resting Mitchell Johnson and Nathan Lyon, James Faulkner (2-52) and Xavier Doherty (2-54) both filled the positions effectively.
Pakistan began their run chase confidently and it was the replacement Doherty who made the breakthrough, removing Ahmed Shehzad at 1/56.
A fourth-ball duck to Fawad Alam (3-80) had the umpires rushing to the rule book after Steve Smith anticipated an Alam sweep shot, running from first slip to leg slip. The decision stood but the batsman was clearly disgusted, hitting the boundary rope as he left the field.
Pakistan were in control of the match at 6/203, but wickets to Mitchell Starc (1/33) and Faulkner gave the Aussies some hope.
James Faulkner botched a certain run-out in the final overs, swiping at the stumps twice to before removing the bails. The umpire refused to use the third umpire in what replays showed was a close call. He conceded 8-runs from his final over, leaving Pakistan with only 1 run to win.
Glenn ‘Big Show’ Maxwell lived up to his nickname, with some tight bowling that produced the final two wickets and restricted Pakistan to 0 runs in a famous victory for the Australians.
