Youth on Pakistan’s side as Aamer, Akmal beat Australia

Pakistan’s young guns starred as they kicked off their ‘home’ match-ups against Australia with a 23-run victory at Edgbaston.

20-year-old tyro Umar Akmal smashed a stunning 31 ball 64 to guide Shahid Afridi’s men to 167 before teenage left-arm quick Mohammed Aamer picked up 3-27 to restrict Australia’s chase.

Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal took 3-26 while T20 yorker specialist Umar Gul conceded just 13 runs off his three overs, cleaning up Mike Hussey and Tim Payne in the process.

The timely win will go some way towards healing the wounds inflicted by the Australians over the last 12 months ahead of this month’s two Test series which begins at Lord’s on 13th July.

Pakistani cricket appeared to be in turmoil following a disastrous tour down under last winter where they lost every international match.