Pakistan won the IMC Over-40 Cricket World Cup in Guyana, overcoming Australia by one wicket in a closely contested final. Captain Junaid Khalil Nainitalwala hit the winning shot as Pakistan reached their target with nine wickets down after 44.5 overs.
Akmal and Mansoor lead the chase
Adnan Akmal scored 83 and Javed Mansoor contributed 62 as Pakistan chased Australia's total of 281. Tariq Mahmood added 41, while Fariduddin made 24 and Wasim Ali scored 22.
Australia's Jamie Panelli took four wickets, with Bretton Atwood claiming two. Pakistan nevertheless completed the chase, leaving Australia as runners-up.
Hunt's century sets the target
Batting first, Australia finished their allotted 45 overs on 281 for six. Greg Hunt led the scoring with 103, supported by Steve Paulsen's 70 and Glen Batticciotto's 46.
Fariduddin claimed four wickets for Pakistan, while Wasim Ali took the other two. Both also contributed with the bat during the successful chase.
Pakistan's route to the title
Before beating Australia in the final, Pakistan recorded victories over the following opponents in the pool stage:
- Caribbean
- India
- New Zealand
- United States
Pakistan then defeated England in the semi-final to secure their place in the title match.
