The Australian Cricket Society ran a not so close second in the first new Year ‘test’ of the summer, the Pakistani Asylum Seekers, showing class and calibre in a comfortable five wicket victory with 14 overs today at plush Waverley Park, a stronghold for East Malvern CC.
The Pakistanis were younger and fitter than our boys and fielded superbly and hit hard and often, Ahsan Yousuf the man of the match for a ballistic 43 at the head of the order.
ACS captain Stewie Stockdale said while the Australians had ‘finally been beaten by a Pakistani combine’ our boys had some excellent moments and much to look forward to.
Adrian McKenzie top scored with 26, while opener Michael Delaney scored 23 and Ken Piesse 17. The leading wicket takers were Peter Leggett and Tim Corney with two apiece.