Watson stars as Australia beat England by six wickets in Melbourne ODI
By ANISunday, January 16, 2011
MELBOURNE - Australian opening batsman Shane Watson scored an unbeaten century to help his team chase down the target of 295 to beat England by six wickets in the first ODI in Melbourne.
Watson finished on 161 not out 150 balls, in an innings which featured 12 fours and four sixes.
The 29-year-old shared an opening stand of 110 runs with Brad Haddin before the wicket-keeper was dismissed by off-spinner Graeme Swann (1-42) for 39, Sky News reports.
Watson then shared crucial partnerships with Michael Clarke (36), Mike Hussey (21) and captain Cameron White (25 not out) to surpass England’s score with five balls to spare.
Earlier in the day, captain Andrew Strauss and Kevin Pietersen had led the way for England before they were bowled out for 294 with two balls to spare.trauss struck 63, while Pietersen score 78 - his first ODI half-century in over two years.
However, a late collapse denied the tourists a total in excess of 300. (ANI)
