Associated Press

Sydney, January 23:

Michael Clarke scored an unbeaten 103 from 107 balls to guide Australia to a nine-wicket win over Pakistan with almost 14 overs to spare in the tri-series match.

Pakistan was skittled for 163 in a rain-affected first innings, and Australia raced to 167 for one in reply in 36.2 overs.

The only wicket to tumble in the chase was Matthew Hayden, who scored a comparatively slow 27 off 65 deliveries.

Clarke’s hundred contained a six and 14 boundaries, including the winning boundary to reach triple figures.

He was on 95 with Australia needing six runs to pass Pakistan’s total and skipper Ricky Ponting (17) gave the strike to the young opener so he could reach the milestone. Darren Lehmann took three wickets as Pakistan was bundled out in 39.2 overs.

Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq steadied the Pakistan innings, scoring 50 runs.

Shahid Afridi added 48 off 37 balls before he was stumped by wicketkeeper Brad Haddin off a Lehmann ball.

Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee atook two wickets each for Australia, which leads the tri-series standings with 20 points.