Statistics
Best performances - Batsmen
- Productive Shot
- off side drive on front foot
- 46 runs
- 10x4 - 0x6
A thumping in the end. 197 on this pitch, one felt, was still competitive but it took a lot of grit and concentration from both these batsmen to pull it off quite comfortably in the end.
Australia were under pressure, down two wickets for just three runs. But Clarke and co were determined to finish the series off here, after that superb comeback in the previous game where Pakistan were on top for a good part of their innings.
Clarke was rarely beaten early in his innings, and was particularly brilliant against spinners against whom he used his feet superbly. He charged down the track to anything that was pitched up, and nudged, tickled and dabbed his way to a determined century.
Watson was a bit of contrast, particularly against spin, missing attempted pulls and cuts on numerous occasions but the presence of Clarke helped him, and he too gradually began to open up, getting periodic boundaries to ensure the Pakistanis could never sense a chance.
Australia have proven deserved winners after three consecutive wins while the promise shown by Pakistan, under adversity, in their victory in the first game, sadly for them, didn't reach its desired end. We'll get you the details from the presentation shortly.
Doug Bollinger is the Man of the Match for his five-wicket haul.
Bolly: "It was pretty hot, but I really enjoyed it. I tried to swing the ball, and bowled at a good pace. It worked really well."
Younis: "We committed the same mistake as we did earlier, not scoring much after winning the toss. They won easily in the end. Clarke and Watson had a fantastic partnership, and that's what we've been missing. We will tey our best for the next game and play for our pride."
Michael Clarke: "Bolly bowled brilliantly. Our bowlers stood up once again. Watson played brilliantly upfront. We worked hard, had a good partnership and it worked beautifully. Few cramps along the way, but it worked fine in the end."
Thats all we have from here folks. The series is sealed 3-1, but there is still a matter of a dead rubber on the 3rd of May. Join us then. Thanks for your feedback. Cheers!
Just four away from a century, Clarke
Afridi began cricketing life as a bowler and now he seems finally to have come into full bloom as one
Shahid Afridi believes Pakistan's recent lack of international cricket will not hamper their chances at the World Twenty20, due to begin in June, in England
Shane Watson has said he is not in doubt for next month's World Twenty20 despite a groin injury ruling him out of the final two weeks of the IPL
Brett Lee is confident he will be fit for the Ashes after coming through his first game since surgery free of pain
Brad Haddin and Shane Watson have been fined 15% and 25% of their match fee respectively after being found guilty of breaching the ICC code of conduct during the Twenty20 international against Pakistan in Dubai on Thursday