Cameron White’s century helped Australia to a five-wicket win in the opening one-day international against Pakistan here on Friday. It was the first time White, playing his 48th ODI, crossed the 50-run mark at home and guided the hosts to victory with his 105-run effort.
With Australia reeling at 3-84 after Ricky Ponting’s exit, White joined Michael Clarke in the middle.
White took on the lead role after the vice-captain’s departure, scoring his first century at home with the help of eight boundaries and four sixes.
He slammed Shahid Afridi for three consecutive sixes between long-on and midwicket in the 41st over that more or less did the job for the hosts. Earlier, strong hitter Shahid Afridi provided some magical moments with his bat, hitting a 26-ball 48, but White’s fireworks paled the hurricane Pakistani batsman’s efforts .
Michael Hussey played a sensible innigs and remained unbeaten on 35 to help Australia earn a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 274 all out (Butt 72; McKay 3-61, Watson 4-36) lost to Australia 275 for 5 (White 105, Clarke 58; Asif 1-44, Aamer 1-29) by 5 wickets.