[Nnanden]

First match: Australia v Pakistan at the Gabba

Australia - Gilchrist, Hayden, Ponting (cap), Martyn, Symonds, Clarke, Hussey, Hogg, Lee, Gillespie, McGrath
Pakistan - Butt, Afridi, Ul-Haq (cap), Younis Khan, Youhana, Malik, Razzaq, Akmal, Naved-ul-Hasan, Sami, Akhtar

Pakistan 206 AO off 49.4 (Malik 59*, Razzaq 32, Ul-Haq 31) (McGrath 3/28, Gillespie 3/43)
A huge top order collapse saw Pakistan in huge trouble, both openers went for ducks. From 2/3 to 4/56, things didn`t get much better. But some lower order resistance saw Pakistan make a semi-respectable 206 with two balls to spare.

Australia 208/3 off 34.4 (Ponting 80*, Martyn 78, Hayden 40)
The Australians rocketed home with more than 15 overs left. The only problem was the early loss of Gilchrist for 1, but besides that, everyone contributed. The Pakistan bowlers were demolished, particularly Razzaq with 0/21 off 2 and Malik with 0/34 off 5. However Akhtar, bowling at first change, impressed with a steady 1/33 off 6 at great pace.

Nath`s thoughts: "My main problem was that the Pakistani players were white, that ain`t cool. The Pakistani`s top order was somewhat dissapointing, but Australia to their credit were dominant throughout. McGrath was spectacular, and Hogg wasn`t amazingly crap like he has been in the past. Very happy with the game, excellent editing... I mean play."