Australia clinched an eight-wicket win over Pakistan in the first ODI at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday. The Kangaroos have a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Aaron Finch steals the show

The Australian captain led from the front and played a 116-run knock in the run chase, earning him the man of the match award. He remained cool and anchored throughout the innings.

Shaun Marsh plays the supporting role

Shaun Marsh played a supporting role in chase of 281 runs for Australia. He went on to score an unbeaten 91 runs. His 172-run partnership with the Australian skipper helped the side take the game away from Pakistan’s reach

Haris Sohail provides the only resistance

Haris Sohail was the only batsman in the Pakistan side to provide some resistance to the Australian bowlers. He kept the scoreboard ticking with his batting and went on to score his first ODI 100 in the series opener.

Drop catches – lose matches

The Pakistan side were in need of wickets when Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh were steady at the crease. Yasir Shah dropped the Australian captain, who then went on to score a century. Imad Wasim also dropped Aaron Finch’s catch in the match as well.

Shoaib Malik’s captaincy woes

Nothing seemed to be working for Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik in the match. His bowling changes did not work out as the Australian batsmen were clearly on top throughout the game.

Bad day at the office for Pakistan bowlers

The Pakistan bowlers misfired in the fixtures as most of them went wicket-less. Frontline pacer Mohammad Amir finished with figures of 0-59 in his nine overs while spinner Yasir Shah conceded 56 runs in his 10 overs without taking a wicket. Only debutante Mohammad Abbas faired better than others as he finished with 1-44 in 10 overs.