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Andrew ‘Sturdy’ Symonds
By B Dixit - Sep 4, 2017 12:18 pm
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Exactly 13 years ago, former Australian all-rounder, Andrew Symonds scored a century to put his team in a strong position. In what a more of a warm-up match before the ICC Champions Trophy 2004, a one-off ODI, Symonds was adjourned the Player of the Match for his blistering innings. He also dismissed the Pakistani captain, Inzamam-ul-Haq, at a crucial point during the match.

Having won the toss, Inzamam put Australia in to bat first. In the fifth over, Brad Haddin (13) was dismissed by Mohammad Sami. Sami, then found captain Ricky Ponting (4) wanting in front of the stumps in the ninth over. Wickets kept falling at regular intervals for Australia.

Symonds came in to bat at the fall of Matthew Hayden (52) at 3-99. Symonds started building his innings without much support from Damein Martyn (26) and Darren Lehmann (9). A 92-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Michael Clarke turned out to be fruitful for Australia. They ended up scoring 269-6 in 50 overs. Having scored nine fours and a six, Symonds was unbeaten on 104.

In reply, Pakistan was restricted to 4-66 in the 19th over by the Australian pacers. This was when Inzaman (72) and Mohammad Yousuf (88) stitched a 162-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Had Pakistan’s lower order put in a better fight, they would have achieved the target. They lost the match by 10 runs, scoring 259-10 in 49.2 overs.

Watch the full video of Symonds innings: