Victory at last

Pakistan beat Australia in Australia in any format for the first time since 2005. The miserable losing streak ended as Pakistan beat Australia by 6 wickets in the second One Day International at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The win was also Pakistan’s first in a one-day international against Australia at the MCG since 24 February 1985.
Imad Wasim, Shoaib Malik and stand-in captain Mohammad Hafeez combined to expose Australia’s familiar troubles against spin while pacers Muhammad Amir and the returning Junaid Khan were also impressive. Stand-in captain Muhammad Hafeez had a particularly good game finishing with 0 for 45 from his ten overs and anchoring Pakistan’s chase with a steady 72. Pakistan’s team was under severe criticism from cricketing quarters as their performance had slumped since they claimed the top slot in the test rankings (which they retained for only a short while). Pakistan’s one day internationals ranking is quite poor but the performance has lifted hopes that things could change in the coming months.