Pakistan v Australia, 2012

At Sharjah, August 28, 2012 (day/night). Australia won by four wickets. Toss: Pakistan.

Australia don't play spin well, went the thinking, something even Clarke agreed with. But the failing had not often proved terminal: coming into this series, they had lost only one bilateral series in Asia since 1992. So it was here. Chasing 199 on an icky-sticky wicket, Australia slipped to 67 for four against the slow men. But they found a way through, thanks mainly to the fluid Clarke. The chase was finished off by Bailey, whose position as Twenty20 captain - and place in the side itself - was under debate. Pakistan needed a few more runs: had they batted with any sense after Umar Akmal and Asad Shafiq put on a sprightly 61, they might have got them. But a spate of unthinking shots, and incisive stuff from the frighteningly good Starc, meant they lost their last six for 38.

Man of the Match: M. A. Starc.