Series triumph for Pakistan

Kamran Akmal
12 April 2012

Pakistan beat Australia by 11 runs in the second Twenty20 international at Edgbaston to wrap up a 2-0 series win.

After Kamran Akmal's 33 from 25 balls helped Pakistan post 162 for nine, their bowlers were able to dismiss Australia for the second game running and spark noisy celebrations.

Left-arm quick Mohammad Aamer led the Pakistan attack with three for 27, matching the figures he returned in Monday’s 23-run win in the opening match at the same venue.

That win had ended Pakistan’s 12-match losing run against Australia in all formats and the series success should serve to provide a confidence boost ahead of the two-Test series, which begins at Lord’s next week.

Australia’s only real bright spot came in the form of left-arm orthodox spinner Steve O’Keefe who claimed three for 29 on his international debut.

O’Keefe’s selection was one of two changes to the Australian side. He came in along with James Hopes, in place of Shane Watson and Steve Smith, while Pakistan were unchanged.

With Watson out, Clarke moved to the top of the order for his side’s chase. Under pressure to retain his place in the side, Clarke took 15 from his first eight deliveries before David Warner (one) was trapped lbw by Aamer.

Tim Paine then drove Shoaib Akhtar to Umar Gul for a duck, and while Clarke looked to maintain his belligerence with back-to-back boundaries off Aamer, the captain chopped the next ball onto his stumps.

The right-hander’s 30 from 17 balls may have restored some faith regarding his place in the team, but his departure left Australia in trouble at 33 for three after four overs.

A stand of 50 from 46 balls between Hopes and David Hussey steadied the chase before quick glovework from Kamran ensured the vital breakthrough.

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