Adelaide: An Australian record partnership of 284 between David Warner and Travis Head helped Australia to a huge score of 369-7 in the final one-day international against Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval today.
Warner blasted 179 and Head 128 against a demoralised Pakistan attack, who had no answer to the power and placement of the Australian openers.
Both batsmen made their highest scores in ODIs, with Head also recording his maiden international century.
After losing the toss and being asked to bowl first, the Pakistanis almost got the perfect start when Mohammad Amir enticed an edge from Warner with his first ball.
But a diving Azhar Ali at first slip couldn’t hold on to a difficult chance and Warner was soon in full flight.
He brought up his 50 from 34 balls and his 100 from 78 including 11 fours and two massive sixes. His 150 came from only 107 deliveries with 17 boundaries and three sixes.
Head was far more circumspect but once the ball stopped swinging after just four overs, he began to look more and more comfortable.
On a flat pitch that offered nothing to the bowlers, the Australians were untroubled until Warner began to cramp, restricting his movements.
Warner eventually fell when he swatted a short ball from Junaid to Babar Azam at point with the score on 284.
The Pakistan fielding, which has been poor all series, was found wanting again Thursday, the worst miss coming when Amir dropped a simple catch with Warner on 130.
Australia were headed for a score well over 400 when Warner and Head were in full flight but Pakistan fought back with some late wickets to restrict them to 369.
Australia have already won the five match series after taking a 3-1 lead in Sydney on Sunday.