Chasing a mammoth total of 314, Pakistan were bundled out for 225 inside 46 overs. Despite a century by Imam ul Haq, the Men in Green failed to consolidate during the chase and lost wickets at regular intervals. The left-handed opener smashed 103 runs off 96 balls with the help of six fours and three sixes.
Meanwhile, Babar Azam scored a half-century, slamming 57 runs off 72 balls. For Australia, leg-spinner Adam Zampa turned out to be the pick of the bowlers with four wickets for 38.
Nathan Ellis dismissed Imam ul Haq with an absolute peach
In the 39th over of the second innings, Australian pacer Nathan Ellis bowled a fiery yorker to send the dangerous Imam back to the pavilion. The southpaw tried his best to bring the bat down but was beaten by sheer pace.
With Imam’s dismissal, Pakistan’s hopes of chasing the target also ended.
Here’s the video:
Earlier, a rapid ton by Travis Head (101 off 72 balls) helped Australia reach 313 for seven in their stipulated 50 overs. Haris Rauf and Zahid Mahmood took two wickets each for the hosts.
The second ODI will be played at the same venue on Thursday, March 31.
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