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[cricket_news]

Akmal century restores Pakistani pride
4 May 2009, 6:49 am



By Viren Varma

ABU DHABI (Reuters) - Kamran Akmal smashed an unbeaten century to lift Pakistan to a seven-wicket win over Australia in the final one-day match in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Akmal cracked 116 off 115 balls to help his side overhaul Australia's 250 for four with three overs to spare, denying the touring side a fourth successive win in a series played in the UAE due to security concerns in Pakistan.

Batting with authority and conviction, Akmal prospered in a 198-run fourth-wicket stand with Misbah-ul Haq (76) to set up the consolation win for Pakistan who lost the series 3-2.

Pakistan stuttered early, losing three wickets for just 58 runs by the 16th over, but Akram and Haq suffocated hopes of a further breakthrough with sensible batting against a disciplined Australian attack.

Earlier, Australia built their innings around Shane Watson who hammered an unbeaten 116 off 146 balls in his second one-day international century, in the company of Callum Ferguson who remained unbeaten on 41.

Pakistan captain Younis Khan, who made 27, attributed the victory to team efforts.

"We needed a good partnership to match pace with the asking rate and thanks to Akmal and Misbah we did the same. They showed good commitment on the field," he told reporters.

"Australia is a fantastic side and winning any match against them is special. We may have lost the series but have learned a lot from them, especially how to build the innings under pressure."  Continued...



Source: Reuters: Cricket News