Wisden
Second ODI

Pakistan v Australia, 2012

Osman Samiuddin

At Abu Dhabi, August 31, 2012 (day/night). Pakistan won by seven wickets. Toss: Australia.

It had been a long time since Pakistan had a group of young batsmen as promising as their current crop, and two of them ensured a surprisingly comfortable triumph on a ridiculously humid night. Nasir Jamshed and Azhar Ali paved the way with a stand of 101 in 16 overs, with Jamshed going on to a bullying, imposing 97. He had been around the national set-up for four years, but recently had become far more expansive, particularly through the leg side (though he remained prone to injury and fitness issues). Azhar gave considered support, and the target never looked out of reach. Australia's innings had been typically Australian, with every run on offer taken; predictably, Mike Hussey was at its heart. A late flurry from the lower order added some gloss, but Pakistan always had an element of control in the shape of Saeed Ajmal.

Man of the Match: Nasir Jamshed.

© John Wisden & Co.