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Rediff.com  » Sports » Australia script miraculous turnaround to beat Pakistan

Australia script miraculous turnaround to beat Pakistan

Last updated on: January 06, 2010 21:09 IST
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Nathan HauritzNathan Hauritz helped Australia script a remarkable 36-run victory over Pakistan on Day 4 of the second Test, at the SCG, on Wednesday.

The off-spinner recorded figures of 5-53 in the second innings, including a tough caught and bowled to dismiss captain Mohammad Yousuf, as the visitors were dismissed for 139, chasing 176 for victory.

It was the 28-year-old's second five-wicket haul in successive Tests against Pakistan

Earlier, Australia, who trailed by 206 runs on the first innings, were dismissed for 381 in their second essay when Doug Bollinger was the last man out.

They had resumed on Wednesday on 286 for 8, a lead of only 80. But man-of-the-match Michael Hussey hit a fighting 134, his 11th Test century, and shared a ninth-wicket partnership of 123 with tailender Peter Siddle (38) to give their bowlers something to defend.

The partnership beat the 83-run stand between Bob Massie and John Watkins for Australia's ninth wicket against Pakistan in Sydney 37 years ago.

Pakistan started strongly in the chase, reaching 3-77, before Hauritz took two wickets in three balls.

He then dismissed Misbah-ul Haq for a duck two balls later to raise Australia's hopes of victory.

In an effort to step up the pace of their run-chase, the Pakistanis lost wickets regularly. Their lone hope Umar Akmal missed a half-century and a chance to take Pakistan through when he was caught by Mitchell Johnson (3-27) off Bollinger.

Thereafter, the last two wickets fell in a space of two deliveries and Australia scored a resounding victory.

The hosts have an unassailable 2-0 lead going into the third and final Test in Hobart, which begins on January 14.

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