Pakistan A beats Australia A by 147 runs

BRISBANE: Umar Akmal scored an aggressive 104and Sheharyar Ghani added a steadying 93 as Pakistan A easily defeated Australia A by 147 runs in their opening one-day match Friday.

After being sent in to bat at Allan Border Field, Pakistan made340 from its 50 overs, then bowled out the hosts for 193 runs in41.1 overs.

Pakistan A got off to a blistering start with 19 runs from the first over before Doug Bollinger (3-53) struck twice and Shaun Tait(3-74) once to peg the visitors back to 28-3.

But Ghani solidified the visitors'' innings, scoring his 93 from123 deliveries, including 10 fours and two sixes.

Coming in at No. 6, Akmal notched his third century of the Australian tour in just 68 deliveries, belting 10 fours and five sixes before being dismissed by Brett Geeves (3-46).

The Australians lost wickets at steady intervals early in its innings, falling to 85-4 before skipper Cameron White (42) was joined by Jason Krejza (40) at the crease.

The pair put on an 81-run partnership before White departed and the last five wickets fell for just 33 runs. Wahab Riaz led the Pakistan A bowlers with 4-37 and skipper Mohammad Hafeez had 2-38.