NatWest Series, 2001, 8th Match Trent Bridge, Nottingham (day/night) 19 June 2001 (50-over match)

Result: Pakistan won by 36 runs - Scorecard

Toss: Pakistan (elected to bat)

Umpires: NA Mallender and G Sharp

 

In what started out to be a veritable feast of runs, turned into another disappointing performance not by the batsmen but to a minority group of fans in the Pakistan section of the ground. At the end of the 45th over, fireworks were set alight in the
stand with stewards trying hard to move the so-called fans away from danger. During the disturbance, one firework was thrown onto the field close to a nearby Australian fielder. Steve Waugh had no hesitation but to take his players off the field immediately.

The two umpires followed but for a brief moment, the Pakistan batsmen stayed in the middle, however it wasn't long before the two joined their opponents in the pavilion. Steve Waugh earlier said

"If it gets out of control we will be off the ground until they get it right, it is the same as anywhere else; if you feel threatened or in danger, you let the umpires know and you go off."

Unfortunately this has marred a superb batting performance by the Pakistan bowlers who have taken the game by the scruff of the neck with only Fleming and Lee offering any resistance to complete Pakistan domination.

Symonds and Warne (not looking comfortable) have been expensive, although the latter would think him unfortunate not to have picked up another couple of leg before decisions to add to his two wickets in eight overs bowled.

After a 20 minute delay Steve Waugh agreed to return to the field, however he added that one more disturbance and he would not hesitate to call the game off before his team would get a chance to reply to Pakistan's total of what finished at 9 for 290.

Elahi top scored with a fine knock of 79 off 91 balls, which included 8 fours. Wasim Akram came in down the order and proceeded to hit Symonds and Martyn for sixes in his quick fire knock of 28.

Gilchrist, who needed a knock to restore some self-belief and confidence, hit the ball to all parts of the ground in a scintillating display of stroke play. Unfortunately for Australia, Waqar Younis started where he left off against England and took the early wickets of Mark Waugh and Hayden with the total on 6. Bevan only managed to add 5 runs to his tally before Younis bowled him, the score had moved on to 35, Gilchrist the main contributor.

Steve Waugh entered the arena and was completely overshadowed by a superb batting display from the other end, Gilchrist reaching his 50 in only 29 balls. When Mushtaq finally bowled Adam Gilchrist for 70 (12 4's and 1 6) the rot set in. Martyn was the next to go facing only four balls for his two runs, the score on 113.

Waugh and Symonds steadied things and in fact took the game back to Pakistan with some elegant and powerful stroke play. The pair put on 77 runs for the next wicket, Waugh caught by Mushtaq off that man Younis. Symonds followed not long after, caught on the boundary by the sub, who managed to hold onto the ball on his fourth attempt. Despite some resolute lower order batting, Australia were never in the game after this and came within 36 runs of pulling off an unlikely victory.

The game will not be remembered for the great batting display of Gilchrist and co, but rather for the indiscipline of the Pakistan followers who failed to control their excitement. One would think that they had learned their lesson after the delay for the firework fiasco, but no a small number broke through the stewards and the inadequate fencing to storm the pitch. A unsatisfactory conclusion to a great game of cricket.