Australia A beat Pak
REUTERS

Perth, Jan 2: Pakistan kicked off their tour of Australia on Sunday with a wretched batting performance in a 52-run defeat by Australia A in a day-night match at the WACA. The Pakistanis, preparing for this month's triangular limited overs series with Australia and India, collapsed to 82 for six as they chased a victory target of 282.

Azhar Mahmood spared some of their blushes with a defiant unbeaten 100 but the touring team were bowled out for 229 in 41.5 overs in reply to the Australians' 281 for nine.

Matthew Hayden blasted 128 (115b, 17x4, 2x6) and put 191 for the first wicket with David Fitzgerald (85). It was only through a superb performance by off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, who took five for 40 off 10 overs, that Pakistan were able to keep Australia A from passing 300. Akram's figures were 0-27 in 10 overs.

Pakistan made a poor start to their run-chase, all-rounder Shane Lee snaring four for 32.

Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.