Pakistan v Australia 3rd ODI at Abu Dhabi, April 24 - Preview

Abu Dhabi: A committed Australia hit back to level the series on Friday and show they would not be swept aside by Pakistan's crafty spin.

"We were under pressure after losing the first game, but it's great that my team stepped up to win the very next game," said Clarke after Australia took the second match by six wickets on Friday.

Returning all-rounder Andrew Symonds took two cheap wickets and then hit a match-winning 58 to help Australia level the series 1-1.

Andrew Symonds displayed good form with the bat for the first time in a long time during his 58 on Friday, an innings which was a relief to him and his supporters. More strong showings in the final three games will help seal his passage to England.

Clarke called Australia's performance on Friday "brilliant" so don't expect too many changes to the line-up. James Hopes fitted in well at opener and Doug Bollinger was tight in his maiden ODI. Stuart Clark and Ben Hilfenhaus are also in the squad so one of them may come in for the young Ben Laughlin.

Pitch and conditions
Abu Dhabi is about 125km south-west of Dubai and its ground is the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. The forecast for Monday is a warm, clear day with a maximum of 37C.

Stats and Trivia

Symonds' half-century on Friday was only his fourth in state and international cricket since the beginning of 2008-09.
Afridi picked up his 250th ODI wicket in Dubai and has eight victims in two matches.
Australia's win in game two took their record for the year to six wins in 17 matches.

Match facts
Monday April 27, 2009 (day/night)
Start time 03.00pm local, 11.00GMT

Scores	Upcoming	Results
South Africa vs Pakistan - 3rd ODI 4th Test - Australia v India - December 26-30, 23:30 GMT 1st Test - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan - December 26-30, 07:30 GMT 3rd ODI - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan at Harare Afghanistan won by 8 wickets (with 139 balls remaining) 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 80 runs

Related links

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