1st ODI: Pak v Aus

Final result In case you missed it, Austarlia beat Pakistan in the humidity of Sharjah by 4 wickets.

Man of the match After a lengthy award ceremony, Mitchell Starc was awarded the man of the match! Congrats on your great bowling performance!

Match Report Australia will be relieved to go one up in the series. The match was a low scoring affair and both teams literally sweated for every run and wicket. Credit to Pakistan, who fought every step of the way and at times were unlucky not to be rewarded with wickets but Australia proved to be to good. An extra 15 runs would have changed the face of the game, we know for next time that the Pakistanian spin bowlers are not to be under estimated and will be a force to be dealt with in the next two ODI's. My 'man of the match' either Starc or Clarke deserve the award, but let's see.

Over 49 Cheema 6-1 199-6 - ITS ALL OVER!!!! Bailey deposited the first ball of the over over the long-offs head with a classy lofted drive, the ball was back of length and just lent back onto it. He finished it off one ball later as he pulls the ball to mid-wicket for the victory... Match report to follow shortly.

Over 48 Ajmal 1-1-0-1-0-0 192-6 - Fifty up for Bailey; he had a very tough start but ahs been compoosed in the face of world class spin and come out on top. 7 needed off 12 as the Austrlians still seem content to knock the deficit off in singles.

Over 47 Cheema 0-1-1-1lb-0-1 189-6 - Pakistan will be regreting not getting another twenty runs; with the out field being so slow and the pitch so responsive to spin. As it stands though Austarlia need 10 off 18 to go one up in this three match series.

Over 46 Ajmal 1-4-W-0-0-1- 184-6 - WICKET!!! The big wicket of Maxwell, who has made his presence felt here tonight. Tries to reverse sweep Ajmal agian but mistimes it and is given out LBW as it strikes the pads. The ball clearly pitches outside leg but we can only assume Bowden judges the shot as that of a left hander.

Over 45 Tanvir 4-0-2-6-1-1 179-5 - HUGE over for Australia and Maxwell. First ball sees a thick edge fly to third man as it skids over the boundary rope, the ball was wide outside off as Maxwell cam down the wicket looking to loft it over extra cover. Three balls later He gets under a short one and pulls it easily over mid-wicket for a maximum

Over 44 Cheema 0-0-1-1-1-1 165-5 - Four easy singles release the pressure off the Aussies who are looking desperately for a boundary.

Over 43 Ali 1-1-0-2-0-1 161-5 - CLOSE!!! Shafiq at deep mid-wicket makes a great effort to get to a skied ball from Bailey, I would not classify it as a drop but rather a great attempt. Saved the boundary though.

Over 42 Afridi 1lb-1-0-1-1-1 156-5 - Afridi bowls his final over of the innings and is unlucky not to have more wickets than he has, as he has bowled tightly especially in his earlier overs. Batsmen finding it easy to get inside the ball and push it into the gaps for singles. Victory for Pakistan depend on inner fielders and cutting the singles out.

Over 41Ali 0-0-1-1-2-0 151-5 - Ali back into the attack, Australia hitting the ball as hard as they can but the ball just dies in the dew on the outfield. Remember it is 01:00 am in Shajah as we speak. Four runs picked up off the over.

Over 40 Afridi 1-0-1-0-0-1 147-5 - Afridi back in the attack and produces a jaffer of a delivery; the fifth ball is tossed up, lands in the rough and beats everything but the keepers gloves... how that missed the stumps has everyone baffled. Great come back over from the crowd favourite.

Over 39 Tanvir 1lb-1lb-1-1-0-0 144-5 - Over goes by at a good rate of four to the over. This is all that Australia need to do in order to win, Pakistan on the other hand will be looking to Ajmal to delver some magic and crack open the tail.

Over 38 Ajmal 1-0-0-0-0-2 140-5 - DROPPED!!! Thin edge from Maxwell sees the ball hit the tip of Akmal's gloves, half a chance goes down as the batting powerplay comes to an end. Late cut off the last ball from Maxwell sees him rewarded with two runs to third man.

Over 37 Tanvir 1wd-0-1-1-1-1-0 137-5 - Ball is acting up on this very hard, crumbly surface; last ball keeps a bit low as it goes through to the keeper. Pakistan will be encouraged by that as they need wickets if they are to win this game.

Over 36 Ajmal 1b-0-2-0- 132-5 - Ajmal back into the attack as the new Aussie batsmen are looking to increase the run rate, Maxwell tries to reverse sweep the first ball he has ever received from Ajmal to little success, Bailey two balls later tries to hit the skin off the ball. Ajmal does not look amused.

Over 35 Tanvir 0-1-1-1-1-1 129-5 - 70 required for victory as the left handed opening bowler returns, Maxwell is playing some good shots with power but unable to find the gaps. Five singles to the the batsmen.

Over 34 Hafeez 1-0-0-1-W-3 124-5 - WICKET!!! Pakistan lost their way four balls into their powerplay, Australia loose theirs five balls in. Clarke misjudges the pace of the ball and is trapped in front of the wickets. The players go up in a chorus of an appeal and little doubt that the ball was missing. The batting powerplay strikes again! Maxwell comes to the crease with only 2 runs to his name, his first ball is cut to third man and he gets his new ODI highest of 3. Well Done young man!

Over 34 119-4 - Hafeez with his last over today as Australia take their batting powerplay, can they succeed where Pakistan fell?

Over 33 Ali 0-0-0-1-0-2 119-4 - Leg spin into the attack in the form of Azhar Ali, who is bowling for the first time in the ODI format. He gets some good turn as the batsmen watch him carefully. Third ball is edged down the ground to bring up the fifty partnership between these two. Stumping appeal agianst Bailey on the fourth delivery as the ball passes the outside edge but Bailey does enough to slide his foot back into his ground and lives to see another over.

Over 32 Hafeez 0-1-1-1-1-1 116-4 - Nelson does not get to play today as the batters trade singles all around the park. Drinks are brought onto the field as Clarke looks incredibly thirsty; who can blame him.

Over 31 Cheema 1-4-0-1-0-1 111-4 - Bailey regains some pride with a smashing FOUR through the point region, it was short and wide and came gift wrapped for Bailey. That FOUR breaks the drought of boundaries, the last one coming in the 19th over. End the over with a single to mid off which takes the score to Nelson.

Over 30 Hafeez 1-0-1-0-0-1 104-4 - Bailey plays the most ridiculous shot I have ever seen. He makes no contact and seemed to be in three minds about what shot to play; ended up looking silly as he gives the fielders something to smile about. Three singles off the over from decent cricket strokes.

Over 29 Cheema 0-1-0-0-0-1 101-4 - Hundred up for Australia as Bailey works the ball off his pads to fine leg for a single. Midnight in Sharjah now, the games are held so late in the day because of the extreme heat. Players in the changing rooms are soaking their necks in ice packs... we ourselves are very grateful for air-conditioners.

Over 28 Afridi 1-2-0-2-0-1 99-4 - Afridi back into the attack , they will be hoping to dry up the runs and force Australia to make the bigger riskier shots. 55 balls since the last boundary. Poor ball from Afridi on the forth delivery sees the ball pushed past a diving point, the fielder could have done better, but then again so could have Afridi.

Over 27 Cheema 0-1-2-0-0-0 93-4 - 109 required from the Aussies for victory off the remaining 23 overs. The players are sweating profusely as the humidity persists. Unless Pakistan can get the remaining 6 wickets; one does feel that Australia will have enough to see them through. Cheema tries for the break through but the Aussies happy to take three of the over.

Over 26 Ajmal 0-0-1-1-0-0 90-4 - Ajmal is really getting the over rate going through these middle stages, he is hustling in and making the batsmen work for their runs. 2 singles added onto the total.

Over 25 Cheema 1-0-1-1-0-1 88-4 - Change of bowler as Cheema continues with a better line and length than what we saw ealier. Fifth ball of the over sees Bailey play back as his bat splits in half. A new one is brought out for him, can hear someone shout in the background about "bats in our day used to last forever."

Over 24 Ajmal 0-0-0-0-0-1 84-4 - First ball of the over sees a massive appeal for caught behind, Umpire Bowden is unmoved, Ul-Haq decides to use his teams one review for the innings. The call is too close to call and the original decision stands; NOT OUT!. Single off the last ball of the over to Clarke as he pushes the ball to long off to avoid the maiden.

Over 23 Afridi 1-0-0-0-2-0 83-4 - RR at 4.32 at the moment, this can not bother the Aussies though who need to save wickets if they are to taste victory today. Afridi keeps the pressure on as fielders move in around the bat. Fifty up for Clarke as he works the ball to long on for the single.

Over 22 Ajmal 0-0-1-0-0-0 80-4 - Fantasic display of spin from Ajmal, game on here as Clarke keeps battling on towards his 50 while the pitch is lending itself to a great show of spin tonight.

Over 21 Afridi 1-0-0-1-0-1 79-4 - The spinners are realy flying through their overs now, Afridi, who is getting great bounce and turn seems to be the perfect compliment to Ajmal who has been deadly on the other end.

Over 20 Ajmal 0-1-0-2wd-0-0-0 76-4 - Ajmal, carrying on with his right arm off-breakers. He restricts the batsmen to 3 off the over as they only manage to pick up a single along with the 2 wides. This middle phase will be where the Pakistani's will feel they can strangle the Aussies for runs.

Over Afridi 2-0-4-0-0-0 73-4 - Clarke is still being positive as he skips down the wicket and plays deadly striaght down the ground for a well placed FOUR. He will need to be positive if he wants to keep his team ahead in this game.

Over 18 Ajmal 1-1-3-1-1- 67-4 - WICKET!!! Good bounce from the first ball, Clarke rocking back and guiding it to fine leg. Third ball has Clarke tentatively forward and gets the edge with the doosra, the diving slip can not get there. It all seemed to build up to the last ball to Hussey; the doosra was not picked and this time found Ul-Haq at slip makes no mistakes as the ball sinks into his bucket like hands. Bailey to the middle now.

Over 17 Afridi 0-0-0-1-0-0 60-3 - At this point Pakistan were 67-3, can Australia come back well in these middle stages like Pakistan did a few hours earlier? The Aussies will have a tough time as the spinners look to apply some serious pressure.

Over 16 Ajmal W-0-1-0-0-1 59-3 - WICKET!!! Bowling powerplay... Ajmal into the attack and straight away claims the wicket of M. Hussey, the ball pitched on the off and just skidded on straight. Australia waste their review as Bowden sends Hussey on his way. David Hussey to the crease as Ajmal has the batsmen playing back to full deliveries, almost every ball brings an appeal as the crowd starts to really get warmed up now.

Over 15 Afridi 2-0-0-0-2-0 57-2 - Afridi mixing up his deliveries well; a combination of quicker balls and fell fligthd balls. As the field has spread out the runs come a little easier.

Over 14 Hafeez 1-1-0-1-1-0 53-2 - Hafeez appears to be the bogey for the Aussies as the batsmen battle to get on top of some very classy spin bowling. Four singles is enough though as the Aussies are happy to see Hafeez finish his overs.

Over 13 Afridi 1-0-1-1-2-0 49-2 - Afridi continues as the Aussies are more selective in their stroke play. A well placed whip to mid-wicket is the highlight of the over.

Over 12 Hafeez 1-0-0-0-0-1 44-2 - Good captaincy to brig Hafeez back to the left handed Hussey, fifth ball sees a massive appeal for LBW, it is turned down and the Pakistani's consider the DRS; they decide against it as it was sliding down leg.

Over 11 Afridi 1-1-0-0-0-W 42-2 - WICKET!!! Afridi is one wicket closer as he gets Wade to sky the last ball stright up. The skipper comes underneath it and makes sure of ending Wade's innings. End of the powerplay.

Afridi into the attack 40-1 - Afridi into the attack, he only needs 3 more wickets to reach 350 wickets in ODI's; he has the most wickets of any current player in International Cricket but still falls well short of Muralitharan who sits comfortably at the top with 534 wickets.

Over 10 Hafeez 0-1-0-0-0-0 40-1 - Clarke looks a lot more comfortable against Hafeez in comparison to Wade, who was relieved to get off strike. What a bowling battle between Clarke and Hafeez tonight.

Over 9 Cheema 0-4-0-4-0-0 39-1 - It looks like Clarke is playing on a different pitch as he rocks onto the front foot at will. He dispatches the second and forth ball through the covers for fantastic boundaries. Cheema bowled to wide in that over and allowed the pressure to be released off the Aussies.

Over 8 Hafeez 0-0-0-0-0-0 31-1 - First maiden of the innings as Hafeez applies the pressure. Wade unable to get the ball off the strip. The Aussies will feel a little edgy after that over. Fantastic bowling.

Over 7 Tanvir 0-4-2-0-0-0 31-1 - Tanvir bowling across the seam but Clarke is all over the ball as he gets forward and drives the ball through the covers with great class. He is no longer the 'pup' of Australian cricket but is cementing his place a great!

Over 6 Hafeez 1-1-0-0-2-0 25-1 - Ul-haq changing the field as Pakistan look to attack with catchers around the bat. Wade pushes the fifth ball upishly to fine leg for a couple.

Over 5 Tanvir 0-1wd-0-2-4-0 21-1 - Pakistan must be careful not to give away runs through extras, 3 wides already given to the Australians. Clarke looks aggresive and sweetly times the ball through the covers; the ball was length but to wide and Clarke is to good to miss out on those.

Over 4 Hafeez 3-0-0-W-0-1 14-1 - WICKET!!! Warner, never one to wait for the game to come to him goes after Hafeez, who moves the ball slightly away from left handed batsman and clutters into his stumps as the crowd screams joyously. Clarke to the crease, he opens his account with a single off the last ball of the over.

Over 3 Tanvir 0-1lb-4-0-0-1wd-0 9-0 - First boundary of the innings as Warner gets a thick edge; it flies through the vacant third slip region as Warner in standard fashion flashes hard at the ball. Tanvir spoils a tight over with a super wide, good effort to save 4 wides by the keeper.

Over 2 Hafeez 0-0-0-0-0-1 4-0 - Hafeez from the other end with his off-breakers, tidy first over as he only gives one run to Wade off the last ball of the over.

Over 1 Tanvir 0-1wd-0-1-1-0 3-0 - Welcome back as Tanvir, with his left handed pacers opens for Pakistan against Warner. Warner and Wade each pick up a single to settle into their innings. Good shape to Tanvir as he completes the over.

End of Innings The Pakistan innings resembled that of a rollercoaster; they got off to a shakey start but did well to recover to 160 before selecting the batting powerplay, it was within these overs that they lost 3 wickets for 16 runs; they lost their last 5 wickets for 38 runs. Credit to the Aussies though who came back after the last drinks break to bowl a brilliant line, Pattinson applied great pressure from one end while Starc picked up the wickets from the other. It is not a high score but we all know that these lower scores can be the hardest to chase down. Either way we are in for a heated display of cricket in about 40min time... join us then.

Over 46 Pattinson W 198 - WICKET!!! Ajmal chooses the wrong line and plays all around the ball as it crashes into the stumps. It's all over for Pakistan who will be disappointed following their great comeback. Innings Report to follow shortly.

Over 45 Johnson 1-1-0-0-0-0 198-9 - The Australians have been very slow in their over rate. Pakistan survive another over as the ball passes the edge to the sigh of the Aussies.

Over 44 Pattinson 4lb-2-0-0-0-0 196-9 - Almost all over for Pakistan as the last ball of the over crashes in Ajmals pads. Umpire Bowden gives him out but upon review the decision is reversed. Only glimmer of hope in the over came through 4lb off the pads to a very fine leg.

Over 43 Johnson 0-W-1lb-1-1-0 190-9 - WICKET!!! Pakistan are in danger of not finishing their overs here. Tanvir off his backfoot lofts a back of a length ball to Hussey at mid-off. Johnson, trying to wrap things up quickly peppers his bowling counterparts with a few short balls... they do not look comfortable.

Over 42 Starc W-0-0-0-0-4 184-8 - WICKET!!! Five wickets for Starc as Umar Akmal steps back to try lift the ball over cover but only manages to smash it straight at Bailey, who snatches the low flying rocket out of the air to end a great innings. Pakistan have collapsed during their batting powerplay and will need to play well here to be competitive.

Over 41 Johnson 2-1-0-0-1-1 180-7 - Fifty up for Akmal as he chips the ball over the bowlers head for 2. Johnson shows good speed and pace though as he crashes into Akmal helmet on the last ball of the over

Over 40 Starc 4-1-W-1-W-0 175-7 - WICKETS!!! Umar plays a great little flick over short fine leg as he manages to get under the ball, two balls later Kamran tries the same thing but only manages a top edge to Clarke at straight mid-wicket who takes a simple catch. The batsmen cross as Afridi comes to the wicket. Afridi's first ball is pitched up outside off.Afridi, with his feet in concrete can only manage to edge it to slip for a Golden duck. Fantastic low catch from Clarke again to end a fantastic over from the Aussies!

Over 39 Pattinson 0-1-1-0-0-0 169-5 - Still no boundary within the batting powerplay as the Akmal brothers search hard but to no avail. A single to each batsman.

Over 38 Starc 0-0-0-0-0-0 167-5 - Second maiden of the innings and second maiden for Starc, that wicket has really slowed the Pakistan RR right down.

Over 37 Pattinson 0-0-0-0-1-2wd-0 167-5 - A magnificent display of pace bowling is marred by a massive wide on the fifth ball. Apart from that though a super tight over, one would not think that we are 13 overs away from the close of the innings.

Over 36 Starc 1-0-W-1wd-1-1-1 160-5 - WICKET!!! Batting Powerplay has been taken and it only takes three balls for us to see action, not the kind Pakistan would have been hoping for though as Shafiq trying to lift it over cover but misses the straight one and can only look back as his bails fly through the air. There was no need to play such a shot and Shafiq will be livid, great bowling from Starc though as he picks up his second.

Over 35 Pattinson 1wd -0-0-0-0-1-0 159-4 - Clarke is looking for a break through as he brings back his other front line bowler, Pattinson starts with a wide one, the first wide of the match. He is bowling consistantly around 140km/h and apart from the wide completes a tidy over.

Over 34 Starc 0-1-1-0-0-0 157-4 - Starc back into the attack from wide of the crease, his first ball is wide and is lucky not to get punished but the rest of the over is bang on target!

Drinks Australia will be desperate to pick up a wicket soon. Pakistan have recovered after their early wobble to place themselves in a solid position after 33 overs at a RR of 4.66

Over 33 Johnson 6-1-2-1-1-1 155-4 - Pakistan are looking dangerous at the moment as Akmal knocks the skin off the ball as he lifts it over extra cover for SIX!!! Shafiq shows his class two balls later with a stunningly timed shot off his pads for two, one feels he deserves four though.

Over 32 Christian 1-1-0-1-4-0 143-4 - Fifty up for Shafiq as he flicks a full ball down to fine leg for a boundary. Well played, your team has needed him and he has delivered.

Over 31 Johnson 2-0-0-0-1-0 136-4 - Akmal goes over the top but mistimes the shot and only gets two for his efforts. Three runs off the over.

Over 30 Christian 0-1-1-0-1-0 133-4 - Christian into his seventh over now as Shafiq moves to 46*, he has played a controlled innings. Pakistan are looking more positive as they hit the ball cleanly into the gaps.

Over 29 Johnson 0-0-2-2-1-0 130-4 - Johnson back into the attack for a very average over; he sprays the ball at the batsmen who do not really looked challenged by the bowling. Akmal picks up a couple off his pads to mid wicket.

Over 28 Maxwell 0-1-4-1-6 125-4 - 12 runs off the over as both batsmen collect boundaries; Akmal gets lucky as he collects four off his outside edge as Shafiq places a more classy shot as he comes down the wicket and heaves the ball into the stands for a muscled six!

Over 27 Christian 0-0-6-1-0-1 113-4 - Akmal makes his presence felt, as he flat bats a decent slower ball over long on for a low flying six! Christian is looking very predicable as he keeps putting the slower ball in. I will not be suprised to see more boundaries off him unless he changes it up.

Over 26 Maxwell 1-1-0-0-0-1 105-4 - Dropped chance by Wade behind the stumps as the ball deflects off the outside edge and crashes into wades thigh. Akmal will consider himself lucky.

Over 25 Christian 0-1-0-W-2-1 102-4 - WICKET!!! Ul-Haq chooses the wrong line and plays all around the ball, he manages a fine inside edge as it crashes into the wickets. He can only be disappointed with himself after such a promising start. Umar Akmal into the middle.

Over 24 Maxwell 0-1-0-0-0-2 98-3 - Only a small amount of turn for Maxwell, the last ball is wide and Ul-Haq pounces on it and punches it to the sweeper, who does well to get around and cut it off.

Over 23 Christian 0-1-0-0-0-0 95-3 - Christian is not really bowling very quickly, the heat must be getting to him. one single off the over as he flicks it to fine leg off the pads.

Over 22 Maxwell 0-1-1-6-1-0 94-3 - The specialist spinner into the attack but Shafiq shows little respect and smashes the first six of the innings over deep micket-wicket after it drifted towards his legs. No need to run for those.

Over 21 Christian 0-1-1-1-1-1 85-3 - Partnership on 45 off 67 now; this has been a splendid example of wise batting, picking off singles and only going after the bad ball.

Over 20 Johnson 0-0-0-4-0-0 80-3 - No wickets in this powerplay but there has been solid batting. Ul-Haq shows his class with a quality straight drive past Johnson on the 4th ball, it was pitched up and the Pakistani Captain was all over it.

Over 19 Christian 0-1-1-0-1-0 76-3 - Change in the field as the mid-on moves right up next to pitch, waiting for another opportunity; as in the last over. Three singles taken off the over as the sun sets in the background.

Over 18 Johnson 2-1-2-0-1-0 73-3 - Aussies are bowling a bit staright here and allowing the Pakistani's to pick up easy singles on the leg side.

Over 17 Christian 1-1-0-4-1-0 67-3 - Dropped catch!!! Christian into the attack, second ball is hit hard and low back, the bowler dives to his right but unable to hold it. Reflex catch more than a dropped catch. Ball drifts onto Ul-Haq's pads and he manages to flick the ball to fine leg for an easy four.

Over 16 Johnson 1-1-0-0-1-1 61-3 - Johnson into the attack, immediately getting good bounce from a placid pitch. Ul-Haq using to bounce to guide the ball to square for a well timed single that deserved a boundary.

Over 15 Clarke 1-1-0-1-1-0 57-3 - Clarke drifts onto the legs as the batsmen easily allowed to pick up a few singles to fine leg. I wonder if this tactic has not released the pressure off the Pakistani's

Over 14 Hussey 0-1-1-0-0-1 53-3 - The spinners are really flying through their overs now. The batsmen are happy to pick off the singles as the field has been spread out. It really has become a standard in ODI cricket for this middle period to be dominated by spinners as the batsmen build their innings.

Over 13 Clarke 1-0-0-0-0-0 50-3 - Only one single as Clarke keeps a tidy line. The single comes to ul-Haq as he flicks off his pads to square leg.

Over 12 Hussey 2-1-0-0-2-1 49-3 - Hussey from the other end, 6 runs off his first over as Misbah allowed to get used to the pitch.

Over 11 Clarke 0-0-1-0-1-1 43-3 - Clarke into the attcak and straight away hustles through his over. Three singles to the batsmen.

Over 10 Starc 0-4-4-0-W-0 40-3 - WICKET!!! Jamshed, in an attempt to break the lock down developing from the Aussies smashes the second ball for a great boundary through covers off a rank half-volley, he does the same thing to the next ball, the only difference being that ball was wider. Starc comes back with a great ball on a length outside off that finds the edge of Jamsheds bat and Wade completes the catch with a slight dive to his left.

Over 9 Pattinson 0-0-0-0-1-0 32-2 - Pattinson, sweating profusely, carries on. Pakistan are hitting the ball sweetly but cant find the gaps. Eventually Jamshed finds the gap and picks up a single to third man.

Over 8 Starc 0-0-0-0-0-0 31-2 - First maiden of the game, Pakistan have been shocked by these two early wickets as Starc takes advantage and clocks a maiden

Over 7 Pattinson W-0-2-0-1-0 29-2 - WICKET!!! First ball of the over to Ali, ball on his legs but instead of whipping it to the boundary, Ali only manages to whip it to Johnson who moves to his right and catches it on the fall. Asad Shafiq comes to the middle; a lot sooner than he would have hoped for.

Over 6 Starc 0-1-0-4-1-2 28-1 - Lucky boundary for Ali as he tries to cut a short ball, he gets the top edge and squirts over point for his first boundary

Over 5 Pattinson 0-1-0-W-0-0 20-1 - Great start for Australians as they get rid of the danger man Hafeez. Aside from the wicket one single to Jamshed to deep point off the back foot.

Wicket! 20-1 - Pattinson into Hafeez and gets one to sit up a bit, Hafeez comes forward but only manages to push it to David Hussey at short extra cover for a simple catch. Pakistan loose their first wicket!

Over 4 Starc 0-0-0-1lb-0-2- 19-0 - One review per team per innings and Australia have chosen to use theirs. Starc hits Hafeez on the pads, the Aussies appeal loiudly as Bowden turns down the appeal due to pitching outside leg. The review confirms the decision and Aussies loose their DRS appeal. A direct hit from third man boundary gives the Pakistani's a fright but the third umpire shows the batsman to be easily home.

Over 3 - Pattinson 2-0-4lb-1-0-0 15-0 - Pattinson drifts onto Hafeez's pads, he does not connect with the bat but the ball connects the pads and flies down for 4lb to fline leg.

Over 2 Starc 0-4-2-0-0-0 8-0 - Starc starts from the other end, the ball is coming onto the bat beautifully as Jamshed takes full adavantage of the speed and smacks the first boundary of the match back past the mid-on.

Over 1 Pattinson 0-1-0-0-1-0 2-0 - Pattinson opens the attack and up against Hafeez and Jamshed. Moves the second ball off the seam and gets the edge but bounces awkwardly before the second slip and Hafeez opens his account with a single. Jamshed opens his account with a cheeky single on the 5th ball.

Start 5 minutes to go before the game begins. This is Pakistans 111th ODI in Sharjah, lets see if Nelson will get play a role today.

Spinning wicket Pakistan have selected three spinners for this match while Australia come into this match with only Maxwell as a recognized spinner, will Australia regret this selection decision?

ICC rankings Australia comes into this series at 4th place on the ICC ODI rankings while Pakistan holds the 6th position. If Pakistan wins the series 3-0, then these two teams will trade places.

Pitch report The pitch for today looks good. Dry and flat, which will suit the home side who jam packed their team with spinners for todays encounter.

Toss Misbah ul-Haq, the Pakistani captain has won the toss and elected to bat.

Conditions report The sun has been sweltering down and has reached 39C today; I can imagine the players are very thankful that this game is being held under the lights rather than the hot mid-day Sharjah sun.

Australia come into this game fresh after their expected win over new comers to International cricket, Afghanistan. While Pakistan will also feel confident in conditions that they will feel very familiar with.

In team news, Kamran Akmal makes his return to International cricket after an 18 month absence and will wear the gloves for the Pakistani's. Australian have made one change from the team that beat Afghanistan, they have switched out their spinner, Xavier Doherty for all-rounder Daniel Christian. We look forward to a cracker of a series which starts here soon... Don't go anywhere.

Greetings Hello and welcome to our over-by-over commentary of the first match of the three-ODI series between Pakistan and Australia at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

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