Matthew Wade's run-a-ball 100 propelled Australia to a 92-run win over Pakistan in the limited-overs series opener on Friday, when the heat and high humidity took a toll on players from both teams.
Wade went in with Australia in trouble at 78-5 and combined with Glenn Maxwell (60) in an innings-building sixth-wicket stand of 82 to set Australia on course for a total of 268-9. He reached his maiden ODI century off the last ball of the innings.
Allrounder James Faulkner took 4-32, snaring two early wickets to restrict the Pakistan top order and returning to dismiss Azhar Ali (24) and Mohammad Amir (8). Pacemen Pat Cummins (3-33) and Mitchell Starc (2-34) chimed in with valuable wickets to bowl the tourists out for 176 in 42.3 overs. Babar Azam's 33 from 46 balls was Pakistan's highest score.
"It was very hot," Faulkner said. The win "was set up by Wadey — (he) saved the day. The bowlers were there to back up his great innings."
Billy Stanlake only bowled three overs on debut for Australia before he had to leave the field for treatment for what appeared to be heat-related illness. Azhar, Pakistan's stand-in captain and opener, retired hurt on 12 after injuring his right hamstring. He returned to the crease with the total at 133-6 and added another dozen runs before he was caught in the outfield off Faulkner's bowling.