Hafeez, Malik help Pakistan record first ODI win in Australia in 12 years

Pakistan beat Australia by six wickets in the second ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground

Pakistan's Mohammad Hafeez hits one on the leg-side against Australia during an ODI match in Melbourne yesterday. Pic/AFP

Melbourne: Pakistan beat Australia by six wickets in the second ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday, their first ODI win on Australian soil for 12 years. 

The win was also Pakistan's first ODI victory at the MCG since 1985 and levels the five-match series at 1-1.

Australian captain Steve Smith chose to bat first on a flat-looking wicket, but Pakistan's opening pair Mohammad Amir (3-47) and Junaid Khan (2-40) bowled superbly to help restrict the home side to 220 all out. They were backed up by left-arm spinner Imad Wasim (2-37). The modest total never looked enough once Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez (72) and fellow opener Sharjeel Khan (29) had put on 68 for the first wicket.

Babar Azam chipped in with 34 before Shoaib Malik (42 not out) and Umar Akmal (18 not out) guided the visitors home with 2.2 overs to spare.

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