BANGALORE, India (Reuters) – Shaun Pollock struck his maiden one-day international century on Wednesday but failed to prevent Asia XI from scoring a 34-run win over Africa XI in the first of three matches.
Pollock (33) one-day cricket’s top-ranked all-rounder, lashed 130 to lift the innings from 87 for seven in reply to Asia XI’s 317 for nine before the African combined side were all out for 283 in 47.5 overs.
Batting at number seven, he dominated a 107-run ninth wicket partnership with Kenyan Thomas Odoyo (39) and put on 67 for the eighth with Zimbabwe’s Elton Chigumbara (40) before being the last man out.
It was the highest one-day score by a number seven batsman and Pollock’s first one-day international hundred after 285 games spanning 11 years. His previous best was 75.
He struck 19 fours and a six facing just 110 balls after playing as a batsmen only following a recent foot surgery. He reached his century off just 88 deliveries before holing out to deep midwicket against paceman Mashrafe Mortaza.
Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf top-scored with 66 and skipper Mahela Jayawardene struck 65. Mohammad Asif and Zaheer Khan shared five wickets to reduce the innings to 31 for five in reply before Pollock’s heroics.
Yousuf (32) became only the third Pakistan batsman to complete 8 000 one-day runs, which he reached on 38 to emulate Inzamam-ul Haq (11 739) and Saeed Anwar (8 823).
The second and final games will be played in Chennai at the weekend. – Reuters 2007