ABU DHABI: Australia Wednesday set 267 runs as target for Pakistan in third One Day International match at Abu Dhabi Stadium.
Aaron Finch (90) and Glenn Maxwell (71) provided a firm platform to Australia to post 266 runs for the loss of six wickets in stipulated 50 overs against Pakistan.
Finch played a captain’s knock but failed to cross the 100-run mark. His presence at the crease played a crucial role for the men in yellow to release some pressure.
While batting first, Australia lost an early wicket when returning Usman Shinwari struck on the sixth delivery of the match and removed in-form Usman Khawaja on a duck.
Shaun Marsh then joined skipper Finch with an aim to hurt Pakistan but Junaid Khan, who is also playing his first game of the series, hunt Marsh to give the green shirts their second huge success.
Later, Peter Handscomb and Finch joined hands to rebuild Australian inning. The two went on to bring up their half-century stand and looked comfortable at the crease. The duo looked dangerous for Pakistan before the part-timer Haris Sohail undone Handscomb on 47 (43). The right-handed batsman struck six boundaries.
Imad Wasim deceived Marcus Stoinis to reduce Australia to 140-4 as the ball drifted a bit and went straight to hit the stumps. He made just 10 runs.
Aaron Finch missed Yasir Shah completely as an attempt to clear the long-on boundary got failed and Haris Sohail took a simple catch to send visitors’ skipper back to the pavilion. Finch played well for his team by scoring 90 runs off 136 balls including five boundaries and a six.
Maxwell with the help of eight boundaries and a six contribute worthy for the visiting side. He along with Finch 48 runs for the fifth wicket.
Usman Shinwari, Junaid Khan, Yasir Shah, Imad Wasim, and Haris Sohail claimed a wicket each.
Earlier Australia won the toss and decided to bat first against Pakistan.
