Summary Pakistan needs 232 for a face-saving win, Smith (77) and Warner (56) helped Aussies score 231
ABU DHABI: (Web Desk) – Australia has scored 231 in the allotted 50 overs during the 3rd One-Day International (ODI) of the series. Although Australia has already won the series yet Pakistan may attain a face-saving by pulling out a consolation victory in the third match of this lost cause.
Earlier today, Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. Finch and Warner gave their side a good start and Smith followed their lead but just after completing 100 runs on the board, Aussies suddenly lost 2 wickets, allowing Pakistan to pull things back a little.
Pakistani bowlers continued to take wickets after regular intervals and Maxwell (20), Hughes (5) and Haddin (2) had all been sent back to the pavilion by the end f 37th over and the Kangaroos eventually found themselves struggling at 159 for the loss of 6 wickets. However, Smith and Faulkner carried on with the fight and an all important 40 runs partnership took Australia to 199 for 7. Faulkner struck 1 boundary and 1 six for his 33 while Smith took 105 balls for his 77 with the help of 3 boundaries before he was bowled out by Sohail Tanvir in the 46th over. Starc was run out for 5 while Faulkner was the last Australian batsman to get out.
Sohail Tanvir got 3 wickets, skipper Shahid Afridi got 2, Anwar Ali and Irfan got 1 each while 2 of the batsmen (Haddin and Starc) were run out.
