indianexpress.com :: Irfan shines as India restrict Aus to 203-9

Irfan shines as India restrict Aus to 203-9

Reuters

Posted online: Sunday, February 17, 2008 at 1229 hrs IST

Sydney, February 17:
India all-rounder Irfan Pathan captured four wickets in a superb display of bowling to help his team restrict Australia to 203 for nine in their tri-series one-day international at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

Pathan captured the prize scalps of Matthew Hayden (13), Mike Hussey (5), Michael Clarke (79) and tailender Nathan Bracken (no score) to finish with 4-41 from his 10 overs.

Ishant Sharma chipped in to dismiss dangermen Adam Gilchrist (15) and Andrew Symonds (3) cheaply to leave India in a strong position to post their second successive win over the world champions.

The Australians have struggled to rack up a really big total in this series and were lucky to make it past 200 after their top-order failed again.

Clarke saved Australia from a complete disaster with a watchful 79 off 108 balls after they had collapsed to 73-5 in the 24th over.

He shared a vital 72-run partnership with Brad Hogg for the seventh wicket, which only came unstuck when Hogg was run out for 32.

All-rounder James Hopes made a brisk 19 but none of Australia's other specialist batsmen made more than 15 as India's seamers made rapid inroads into the batting line-up.

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Irfan shines as India restrict Aus to 203-9 Reuters Posted online: Sunday, February 17, 2008 at 1229 hrs IST Sydney, February 17: India all-rounder Irfan Pathan captured four wickets in a superb display of bowling to help his team restrict Australia to 203 for nine in their tri-series one-day international at Adelaide Oval on Sunday. Pathan captured the prize scalps of Matthew Hayden (13), Mike Hussey (5), Michael Clarke (79) and tailender Nathan Bracken (no score) to finish with 4-41 from his 10 overs. Ishant Sharma chipped in to dismiss dangermen Adam Gilchrist (15) and Andrew Symonds (3) cheaply to leave India in a strong position to post their second successive win over the world champions. The Australians have struggled to rack up a really big total in this series and were lucky to make it past 200 after their top-order failed again. Clarke saved Australia from a complete disaster with a watchful 79 off 108 balls after they had collapsed to 73-5 in the 24th over. He shared a vital 72-run partnership with Brad Hogg for the seventh wicket, which only came unstuck when Hogg was run out for 32. All-rounder James Hopes made a brisk 19 but none of Australia's other specialist batsmen made more than 15 as India's seamers made rapid inroads into the batting line-up.