Australia v Pakistan, 4th ODI: 5 Talking Points

David Warner smashed an impressive century as he has done from time to time to ensure that Australia not only secured a win in the match but the series as well. The massive target was perhaps set by the fact that Warner gave the hosts a massive foundation to build on. Moreover, the Pakistan fielding was quite horrific given the fact that they were not able to pick the wickets on the day as well, something that hampered the progress as well.

As for the Pakistan performance, it was Hasan Ali and Sharjeel Khan who ensured that the visitors had a chance at the very least as they would go on to lose a match by quite literally being let down by their teammates. Shoaib Malik and Umar Akmal also had a brief stand before the Aussies claimed the series as well.

1. David Warner slams yet another ton

In contrast with the previous few ODIs, David Warner quite literally made amends for the manner in which he batted in the fourth ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground. While it was Usman Khawaja who was sitting back and allowing his opening partner to take on the Pakistan bowling attack. On the day, it seemed as though Warner simply had no qualms about batting the best way he does and in the aggressive manner that he does. Moreover, he went about and showed that he showed that he would not be bogged down by the Pakistani bowlers.

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2. Head and Maxwell bring an impressive close to the innings

While the start of the innings was excellent for the Aussies, the close of the innings was even better to say the least. Travis Head and Glenn Maxwell ensured that such was not the problem and also prevented a collapse as well. The duo, who have played in the opening slot previously also went ahead and showcased that they were indeed finishers of the highest quality by whacking the ball many a mile when it came to batting towards the close of the innings. Both men smashed half-centuries as the Australians went ahead and ensured that they crossed the 300 run mark in the inning.

3. Hasan Ali comes up trumps for Pakistan

If there was one bowler who was able to conquer the Sydney Cricket Ground, it was Hasan Ali. The youngster who can vary his pace according to the situation as well came up trumps when he bowled excellently well. He was a bit expensive on the day, but the fact of the matter remained that Ali was going to get the wickets that mattered on the day. He initially picked the wickets of the openers, Khawaja and Warner before Steve Smith was also undone by Hasan Ali. Two more wickets those of Matthew Wade and Glenn Maxwell ensured that the score was something 20 odd runs adrift of where the hosts wanted to be.

4. Sharjeel Khan lights up SCG with some incredible batting

Sharjeel Khan was perhaps one of the better batsmen on the day as he began his innings in the same fashion that he usually does. The southpaw ensured that the Pakistanis were well and truly in the hunt when it came to batting against the intimidatory Australian bowling. Moreover, there was also some solace in the fact that he was simply swinging the bat in a knock that saw Sharjeel smash 10 boundaries and 2 sixes, something that ensured that he not only had 70 odd runs to his name but also a foundation to build on.

5. Wickets tumble as Aussies coast to series win

The Aussies continued to pick wickets baring the partnership between the two stalwarts of the Pakistani batting order Umar Akmal and Shoaib Malik. Yet, this proved to be a bridge too far as the wickets continued to fall. Adam Zampa, who was rather frustrated at having been left out of the side was also a part of this ordeal as he picked three wickets in what eventually culminated into an impressive win.