Hafeez gives Pakistan fighting chance of series win

By
AFP
|
Hafeez gives Pakistan fighting chance of series win
SHARJAH: Opener Mohammad Hafeez hit a brilliant half-century to propel Pakistan to 244-7 in the third and final one-day against Australia at Sharjah Stadium here on Monday.

The 31-year-old right-hander hit 78 off 97-balls for his 13th one-day fifty -- his first against Australia in eight matches -- to help Pakistan post a challenging total after they were put in by Australia on a grass-less pitch.

Hafeez gave Pakistan a solid 129-run start with fellow opener Nasir Jamshed (48) as they carried on the momentum they gave their team during their seven-wicket win in the second match in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

Australia had won the first match by four wickets here last week.

It looked Pakistan would post a big total but they were once again derailed by some sustained pace bowling by Mitchell Starc who finished with 4-51, taking his four wickets in the second spell.

Jamshed, who hit 97 at Abu Dhabi, was again at his fluent best as he hit six boundaries during his 75-ball knock.

Mitchell Johnson (2-33) provided Australia with the breakthrough when he had Jamshed caught behind and then had the promoted Shahid Afridi caught at deep mid-wicket for seven.