Sharjah: Australia captain Aaron Finch smashed a century as Australia defeated Pakistan by eight-wicket in the first ODI of five-match series here on Friday.
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Finch scored 116 that aided Australia to chase down a daunting target of 281 in 49 overs. At the same time, Shaun Marsh and Peter Handscomb were at their prime as they made sure Australia ended up on the brink of victory by playing unbeaten 91 and 30 after Finch's dismissal.
Earlier, Pakistan batsman Haris Sohail hit his maiden ODI ton, 101 not out off115, to help the hosts of the series to post 280 for 5 on the board.
The 30-year-old southpaw played a significant innings of his career as he made a smooth return to the Pakistan team after returning home midway of their South Africa tour owing to a knee injury at the fag end of 2018.
Meanwhile, Pakistan team management has rested six of their key players before going into the match. Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed was given a much-needed break as Pakistan wanted him to appear as a refreshed player in the remaining four matches of the series which is their dress rehearsal before 2019 World Cup in England and Wales starting on May 30.
Haris, who also reached his career landmark 1,000 runs in just 27 ODIs, forged 98 runs partnership for the third-wicket with Umar Akmal who scored 50-ball 49 in his return to Pakistan team after two-year hiatus.
Australia bowlers Jhye Richardson and Nathan Coulter-Nile picked up two-wicket each to restrict Pakistan from posting 300 plus total on board.
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On the other hand, it was a poor display of bowling as Pakistan bowlers leaked runs against an improved Australian side which recently defeated India in the sub-continent 3-2 to win their first series in India after a decade.
Notwithstanding, Australia will vie for their back to back series win before they begin their World Cup campaign in the United Kingdom on June 1.
