 Pollock's maiden ODI hundred for Africa goes in vain
6th Jun 2007 23:16 IST
Agencies
Shaun Pollock slammed his maiden hundred in one-day internationals but could not prevent Asia XI crush Africa XI by 34 runs in the opening tie of the Afro-Asia Cup three-match cricket series at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore today.
The 33-year-old veteran, playing the three-match series as a batsman, made it a memorable 285th individual tie when he made a superb 130, in 110 balls with 19 fours and a six, before being getting out as the last man.
Africa, replying to Asia XI's imposing total of 317/9, were all out for 283 in 47.5 overs to give the latter a 1-0 lead ahead of the last two ties in Chennai on June 9 and 10.
Africa floundered against the Asia new ball attack of Mohammad Asif and Zaheer Khan who shared the first five wickets to reduce the former to a sorry-reading 31/5.
Pollock, whose previous highest ODI score was 75, thereafter stubbornly ploughed a furrow by holding the lower order together. His magnificent innings also enabled Africa to come very close to the Asian team's total. He was finally out when he miscued Mashrafe Mortaza to Mohammad Yousuf at short mid-wicket.
The South African, who completed his hundred in 88 balls with a six and 15 fours, did not have adequate support to carry his team past the finish line after having rallied his team around from a hopeless position.
Pollock, who is playing the series only as a batsman, hit the ball around with impunity and power while singling out Zaheer for some rough treatment towards the end.
The defeat was the third straight one for Africa in two days of the inter-continent cricket rivalry after yesterday's double defeat in the Twenty20 format suffered by their men and women.
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