Inzamam passes Mark Waugh on all-time scoring list

Inzamam-ul-Haq became the fourth-leading run-scorer in one-day cricket as Pakistan reached 78 for five from 25 overs in the first one-day international against Australia on Wednesday.

Ul-Haq, who made 329 in the Lahore Test against New Zealand earlier this year, scored 33 from 42 balls against Australia on Wednesday for a career total of 8,527 runs.

Ul-Haq, who first emerged on the world stage with his 60 from 37 balls in the World Cup semifinal against New Zealand in 1992, moved past Australia's Mark Waugh, 37, who has 8,500 runs in 244 matches but was not selected for this three-match series.

The 32-year-old Ul-Haq has scored his runs in 266 matches.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting won the toss and sent Pakistan in to bat in the indoor match with a drop-in pitch at Melbourne's Docklands Stadium on Wednesday.

First-change bowler Andrew Bichel dismissed Ul-Haq (33), Younis Khan (16) and Azhar Mahmood (1) at a cost of 30 runs from his ten overs as Australia grabbed three wickets for seven runs to take control of the match.

Glenn McGrath struck for Australia in the third over of the day when Shahid Afridi, who made one, edged a catch to Shane Warne at first slip.

Imran Nazir retired hurt for five with the total on six for one after 4.5 overs after he was struck on the forearm by a rising delivery from McGrath.

Yousuf Youhana (19) and Ul-Haq added 49 in 56 balls in an entertaining second-wicket partnership before Shane Warne made the breakthrough.

Leg-spinner Warne was introduced to the attack in the 13th over and was immediately hit for two, six and one by Ul-Haq but Youhana skied a ball straight up in the air and was caught behind by wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist on the last ball of the over at 55 for two.

The series had been promoted as a clash for the title of world's fastest bowler between Australia's Brett Lee and Pakistan's Shoaib Akhtar.

However both were missing from Wednesday's sides after Australia did not include Lee in their 11 and Akhtar was ruled out with a hip injury.

Mail Cricket Editor