June 20  
Pakistan thrash Australia as Akhtar sizzles

BRISBANE: Pakistani fast bowler Shaoib Akhtar (L) leaps after taking his fifth wicket as teammate Shaoib Malik (R) runs to congratulate him during the third and final One-day International against Australia on June 19, 2002.

BRISBANE: Pakistan, inspired by fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, crushed Australia by 91 runs in the third and deciding one-day international on Wednesday. Pakistan overcame a middle-order collapse to score 256 for seven from their 50 overs after winning the toss and batting first. Australia were all out for 165 in 40 overs in reply as Akhtar, the world's fastest bowler, took 5-25 from eight overs to win the player of the match and series awards. Akhtar bowled Ricky Ponting (14) and Darren Lehmann (0) before having Damien Martyn (10) caught at third man and Michael Bevan (10) caught behind.

Akhtar also dismissed tailender Jason Gillespie for a duck after Shane Warne (31) and Shane Watson (44 not out) had added a defiant 57 for the seventh wicket. Earlier, Pakistan relied heavily on half-century partnerships for the first and eighth wickets for their competitive total. Imran Nazir, who top-scored with 66, and Saeed Anwar (26) shared an opening partnership of 94 but their dismissals triggered a middle-order collapse.

Pakistan were 168 for seven before Yousuf Youhana (61 not out) and Wasim Akram (49 not out from 32 balls) added 88 in the closing 10.3 overs for the eighth wicket. Glenn McGrath (0-48) conceded 23 runs in the 49th over including consecutive sixes from the blade of Akram who was in a mood to celebrate. The former Pakistan captain equalled former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin's record of 334 one-day international matches.