Matthew Wade, the maligned Australian wicketkeeper, resoundingly answered his critics with a brilliant maiden One-Day International (ODI) century to fuel Australia’s comprehensive 92-run victory over Pakistan at the Gabba on Friday (January 13).
Set 269, Pakistan were dismissed for 176 in the 43rd over giving Australia a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Despite numerous batsmen making starts, no Pakistan made more than 33 as Australia’s well-rounded attack shared the wickets.
After struggling with the bat and gloves since being recalled during the Test series against South Africa in November, Wade’s position is tenuous and there are doubts on whether he’ll be named in Australia’s squad for their upcoming tour of India. However, Wade’s brilliant 100-ball unbeaten 100 showcased the very best of his characteristics, mixing grit with brute strength to ensure Australia recovered from a perilous 78 for 5 to reach 268 for 9, a total that proved more than enough.
During their chase, Pakistan started sedately but saw off the initial burst from Mitchell Starc until Sharjeel Khan (18) holed out off James Faulkner (4 for 32 from 7 overs), who quickly added another scalp by removing Mohammad Hafeez (4). Pakistan’s momentum was stymied when captain Azhar Ali retired hurt with a hamstring injury in the ninth over. Azhar wasn’t the only player incapacitated, as Australian debutant Billy Stanlake was forced off the ground after feeling unwell in a clear sign he was struggling with Brisbane’s stifling humidity. The towering paceman, standing 204cm to be Australia’s tallest ever player, bowled just three overs for the figures of 0 for 13.
Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals, as their innings never appeared to get out of second gear. When talented youngster Babar Azam (33 off 46 balls) was undone by a ball that reared from Pat Cummins, Pakistan sank to 109 for 4 in the 26th over and the match was essentially over. A hobbling Azhar (24 off 48) returned at No.8 but clearly struggled and eventually holed out.
The heavy defeat was a bitter disappointment for Pakistan who dominated large chunks of Australia’s innings. After losing the toss, the visitors made early inroads with Mohammad Amir (2 for 54 from 10) bowling a terrific opening spell culminating in the key wickets of David Warner (7) and Steve Smith (golden duck) in consecutive deliveries to leave Australia reeling at 13 for 2 in the fifth over.
In a welcome contrast to Misbah-ul- Haq’s conservative captaincy in the Tests, Azhar was aggressive and showcased tactical pluck by successfully gambling on opening with off-spinner Hafeeq, who was tight and ensured Australia were unable to get off to a trademark rollicking start.
Promoted up the order to replace axed opener Aaron Finch, Travis Head (39 off 39) continued his impressive form from last month’s Chappell-Hadlee series but all eyes were on debutant Chris Lynn, who has become a social media sensation after a dominant Big Bash league.
The Queenslander received a hearty ovation as he walked out to bat and it wasn’t long until he registered his first ODI six when he swung mightily and landed a 97m blow into the crowd in the eighth over.
However, it was merely a tease as Lynn was deceived by Hassan Ali’s (3 for 65 off 9) slower ball and fell in ugly fashion by attempting a premediated slog which seemed better suited in the wheelhouse of the Twenty20 mode.
Australia were strangled by the crafty spin of Imad Wasim, who picked up the wickets of Head and a struggling Mitch Marsh (4 from 17) to leave the home side in tatters at 78 for 5. In a turning point, Wade, then on 10, was trapped in front of his crease by a full delivery from Amir but the decision was overturned on review with replays confirming Australia’s wicketkeeper had nicked it.
It meant Wade and Glenn Maxwell (60 off 56) came to Australia’s rescue, which was slightly ironic considering the pair were recently involved in a public spat over the batting makeup of Victoria’s Sheffield Shield team. Playing his first match for Australia since last June, Maxwell looked in control and, smartly, held back his audaciousness in an attempt to dig his team out of the hole.
But once set, Maxwell showcased his bag of tricks, including several reverse slog sweeps as a memorable comeback century appeared a distinct possibility. Unfortunately, not for the first time, the temperamental 28-year-old threw away his wicket after being deceived by another crafty slower ball from Hassan to end the vital 82-run partnership.
Australia’s bid for a competitive total was left to Wade and the 29-year-old responded by expertly navigating the tail, including an eighth-wicket partnership of 42 with Pat Cummins and a 33-run last-wicket stand with Stanlake, who contributed just one run but hustled hard between the wickets.
After scrapping hard in a desperate bid to reverse a worrying form rut, Wade dug in early before opening up at the backend of the innings to time his innings to perfection. Fittingly, Wade scampered a single off the final ball of the innings to register a memorable maiden ODI ton and ensure he remains the favourite to win a coveted spot on the looming tour of India.
The second ODI in the series shifts to the MCG on Sunday (January 15).
Brief Scores
Australia 268/9 in 50 overs (Matthew Wade 100*, Glenn Maxwell 60; Hasan Ali 3-65)
Pakistan 176 in 42.4 overs (Babar Azam 33, Imad Wasim 29; James Faulkner 4-32, Pat Cummins 3-33)
 century to fuel Australia's comprehensive 92-run victory over Pakistan at the Gabba on Friday (January 13).){kind=link}