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Australia thump Pakistan

Australia completed the formalities to register a series whitewash when it defeated Pakistan in the 5th one-day international at the WACA, with the ball tampering allegations proving to add fuel to the tensed atmosphere. Australia romped home to reach the target of 213, with three balls left unused in the Australian innings. The dramatic finish witnessed the winning run come in the form of a no-ball when Ryan Harris had hit the ball in the air to mid-off, as the no-ball then got declared by the square leg umpire.

Mike Hussey, yet again played the role of a hero to perfection, with his 40 runs complied from 46 deliveries. His knock made sure that Australia completed the series with a 5-0 win. The sporting events were pushed to the backburner when investigations were initiated with respect to the ball tempering incident perpetrated by Shahid Afridi, the stand-in Pakistan captain. Caught by the camera, when he was using is teeth on the ball, the third umpire had reported the same to the officials who were on the field, which led to the ball getting replaced when Australia was 35 runs away from victory. Afridi, if found guilty, faces suspension and/or fine.

The Pakistan bowlers had unleashed good initial overs, when Brad Haddin was sent back to the pavilion when the Australian score read 21. Ponting then joined Shaun Marsh to take the Australian total to 50. Shaun Marsh then turned out to be a victim to his impatience, as he was caught by Fawad Alam at point of the bowling of Mohammad Asif. Cameroon White made his intentions clear as he lofted Afridi over mid-wicket to score a six, but perished when he became a victim to Afridi.

At 73-3, the match seemed to be evenly poised when Adam Voges and Ponting registered a fourth wicket partnership of 49 to put Australia into an advantageous position. With Ponting, who scored 55, Voges and James Hope retuning back to the pavilion at quick successions, Australia was reeling at 150-6. Mitchell Johnson then joined Mike Hussey in the hunt to take Australians to the coveted figure of 213, but didn’t last long. Mike Hussey and Hauritz put on 32 runs, as they took Australia to a 5-0 series victory.

Australia earlier had bundled Pakistan for 212, and barring the few hick-ups, Australia registered a victory to complete the 5-0 series whitewash.

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