(Photo: Getty Images)
By Harvey Burgess
An opening partnership of 284 by David Warner and Travis Head helped Australia to a 57-run win over Pakistan in the fifth one day international.
The stand was the second highest opening partnership in ODI history, falling just two runs short of Sri Lanka’s record, set in 2006.
Australia finished the innings on 369-7, leaving Pakistan with the unenviable task of having to score the third-highest ever ODI run chase to win the match.
Even though Pakistan did manage to record their highest total in the series so far, helped by a century by Babar Azam and an impressive 79 by Sharjeel Khan, they fell 57 runs short and therefore lose the series 4-1.
The home side got off to a blistering start, with David Warner scoring quickly in typical fashion. 23-year-old left-hander Head also recorded his highest score for an ODI, hitting 128 off just 137 balls as Pakistan struggled to break through the two openers.
The Australian side seemed to target Pakistan bowler Hasan Ali, who conceded 100 runs in his 9 overs, as both Warner and Head took advantage of some poor bowling.
Pakistan finally got a wicket after almost 42 overs and six more tumbled as the home side recorded 369.
Despite impressive performances by both Azam and Khan, Pakistan never really looked like they could overcome Australia’s total, and left-armer Mitchell Starc was particularly impressive with the ball as he recorded figures of 4-42.
“We’ve played some pretty good cricket over the last couple of games,” said Australia captain Steve Smith. “Davey Warner has been absolutely outstanding, and I thought Travis Head played very well to get his first ODI hundred.”
Australia now travel to New Zealand for a three-match ODI series.
