Friday, July 16, 2010

Australia Defeats Pakistan by 150 Runs at Lords Test

Australian cricket team is leading the two-match Test series 1-0 after winning the opening Test match by 150 runs in Lord’s. Marcus North helped his team to win the match after taking six wickets with the ball.

Pakistan captain, Shahid Afridi, has made his announcement of taking retirement from Test cricket after the second Test against Australia starting from 21st July 2010.

In the fourth day, coming to chase a winning score of 440, Pakistan were all out for 289. Despite making a good start, Pakistan cricket team failed to chase the score successfully. Wicket started falling continuously after the dismissal of Umar Akmal, who was caught by Michael Clarke on 22 off a ball from North.

When Umar Akmal got out, Pakistan was 216-4 in the 64th over. After that, they could not continue for a long time.

Thanks to a third-wicket partnership between Salman Butt and Azhar Ali, Pakistan could score 150 for 1. Butt and Azhar added 102 runs in third wicket stand. Salman Butt was dismissed on 92 and it showed the beginning of a collapse. Azhar Ali scored 42 before being trapped by Hilfenhaus.

Marcus North took his career best figure of 6 wickets for 55 runs in 18.1 overs. Other wickets were shared by Steven Smith (3) and Ben Hilfenhaus (1).

On the first day, winning the toss, Pakistan chose to field first. Australia scored 253 in its first innings while Pakistan scored 148 and was short of 105 runs from the first innings. Australia scored 334 runs in their second innings before being bowled out and set a tough chasing score to the opponent.

Simon Katich and Salman Butt were announced the player of the match.

No comments:

Post a Comment