Bad boy Symonds comes good as Australia level series

Shahid HASHMI

CRICKET: DUBAI, April 25, 2009: Andrew Symonds starred in Australia's much improved performance with both bat and ball as they beat Pakistan by six wickets in the second day-night international here on Friday.

The 33-year-old, on the comeback trail after being dropped for indiscipline, took two wickets in an over to help Australia restrict Pakistan to 207 before scoring 58 to anchor the run-chase at the packed Dubai Stadium.

The victory helped Australia level the five-match series 1-1 after Pakistan won the first match by four wickets on Wednesday.

As expected, Australia came back strongly keeping a tight line and length before keeping their cool while chasing a modest 4.16 run-per-over target, avoiding the traps they fell into against Pakistan's spinners in the first game.

"We did well to keep them to 207 and when we came out to bat it was cool to get those runs without any hiccups," said Michael Clarke, standing in for regular skipper Ricky Ponting in this series.

Pakistani captain Younus Khan said his fears about Australia had been confirmed.

Butt hit six boundaries during his snail-paced 112-ball knock.