SYDNEY: Australia beat Pakistan by 86 runs in the fourth ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday, sealing the series 3-1.
Pakistan were left struggling as sure-footed partnerships by Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez and Umar Akmal were cut short by Australia.
Opener Sharjeel Khan hit a rapid fifty as Pakistan chased the gigantic total of 354 set by Australia. He fell to Adam Zampa with a catch at boundary but his knock of 74 saw Pakistan off to a rapid start. Malik departed for 47, Hafeez for 40 and Akmal for 11.
Captain Azhar Ali, returning from a hamstring injury to lead Pakistan once again, fell cheaply early into the innings. Azam departed for 31.
Hasan Ali claimed his career-best five-for-52 with wickets of Usman Khawaja, David Warner, captain Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Wade.
Warner blasted 130 while Smith went for 49, as Australia fired off to a rapid start against Pakistan.
Australia won the toss and decided to bat first. The hosts announced two changes to their playing 11, while Pakistan’s skipper Azhar Ali returned from a hamstring injury.
Mitchell Starc and leg-spinner Adam Zampa have returned to the side, with all-rounder James Faulkner and bowler Billy Stanlake rested.
Asad Shafiq made way for the skipper, after scoring five and 13 in his two hits so far this series.
Australia lead the five-match series 2-1, meaning Pakistan must avoid defeat today to stay alive in the series.
Starc was rested for the third ODI in Perth following a heavy workload this summer. The left-arm fast bowler played all six Tests against South Africa and Pakistan.
Zampa’s return means Australia will field a specialist slow-bowler for the first time in this series, with part-time off-spinner Travis Head carrying the spin workload in the first three ODIs.
