Australia floor Pakistan to go 1-0 up in ODI series

By our correspondent

LAHORE: Travis Head hit his second century of his career as Australia demolished Pakistan by 88 runs in their first ODI of the three-match series here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.

Head, who remained off-colour in the Test series, struck 101 as Australia posted 313-7 after being invited to bat in the day-night game. Pakistan, in response, were bowled out for only 255 in the 46th over thanks to Imam-ul-Haq’s 103. Head, who survived a scare in the first over from debutant Mohammad Wasim Junior when umpire Aleem Dar gave him out lbw but he took the review which showed that the ball had pitched outside leg-stump and Aleem had to reverse his decision. Head, who struck his second hundred, smashed three sixes and 12 fours in his 72-ball fine knock. He added 110 runs for the opening stand with his skipper Aaron Finch who fell for a 36-ball 23. He then shared 61 for the second wicket with Ben Mcdermott who hammered a 70-ball 55, striking four fours. All-rounder Cameron Green in the end made a terrific effort, smacking an unbeaten 40 off 30 balls, striking three fours and one six. Marcus Stoinis (26) and Marnus Labuschagne (25) also made reasonable contributions. Haris Rauf (2-44) and debutant leggie Zahid Mahmood (2-59) left impression with the ball.

In response, after losing Fakhar Zaman (18) early Imam-ul-Haq added 96 runs for the second wicket with skipper Babar Azam who was trapped lbw off leggie Mitchell Swepson for 57. Babar struck six fours in his 72-ball knock. After the fall of Babar Pakistan kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were folded well away of the target.

Imam, who hit his eighth century, struck six fours and three sixes. He faced 96 balls. Khushdil Shah (19) and Mohammad Rizwan (10) were the only other batsmen who entered double figures. Spinner Adam Zampa was the pick of the bowlers with 4-38 while Swepson and Head got two wickets each. Head was adjudged as man of the match.

The second game will be held here on Thursday.