Sharjah: Pacer Mitchell Starc took his maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs and helped Australia to a four-wicket win over Pakistan in their opening match here.
Though Pakistan opted to bat Tuesday, it was Australia who got on top early, taking the first three wickets for 40 runs.
A middle-order rally from Umar Akmal (52) and Asad Shafiq (56) wasn’t enough to stop Starc, who ended up with figures of 5-42, while James Pattinson also snared 3-19 as Pakistan were bundled out for 198 in 45.1 overs.
In reply, Australia stumbled early but found a way to comeback, thanks to 66 from Michael Clarke and an unbeaten 57 to George Bailey, who steered the side home with 10 balls to spare.
The second game of the three-match series takes place in Abu Dhabi Friday.
Brief scores:
Pakistan all out 198 in 45.1 overs (Umar Akmal 52, Asad Shafiq 56; Starc 5-42, Pattinson 3-19, Johnson 1-43, Christian 1-37) defeated by Australia 6-199 in 48.2 overs (Clarke 66, Bailey 57 not out, Maxwell 38).
-IANS
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