DUBAI, (Reuters) – Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi shared the bowling honours as Pakistan defeated Australia by seven wickets in a Twenty20 match yesterday.
Paceman Gul snared four wickets for just eight runs and wrist spinner Afridi returned a three-wicket haul to help Pakistan bowl out the Australians for a paltry 108.
Pakistan, spearheaded by an unbeaten half century from Kamran Akram, reached the target of 109 in 16.2 overs.
Australia, electing to bat after winning the toss, were off to a steady start with Shane Watson and skipper Brad Haddin sharing a 42-run stand in 25 balls.
The innings took a dramatic turn, though, after Watson was bowled for 33 by a charged-up Gul.
Afridi changed the complexion of the game by removing James Hopes and Andrew Symonds off successive balls. With Pakistan bowlers striking at regular intervals, Australia were eventually bowled out for 108 in the last over.
