Pakistan implode in Sydney

Mohammad Yousuf is not losing any sleep over his impending replacement as captain of the Pakistan team, but their performance against Australia in Sydney yesterday will certainly give him a few nightmares. Chasing 268 for victory, Pakistan imploded to finish 140 runs short. Their fate could have been worse if not for a battling 58 from Yousuf and 27 from the No 9 Naved-ul-Hasan. The defeat will certainly add to the pressure on Yousuf, who has been facing growing criticism since being whitewashed 3-0 in the Test series. Ijaz Butt, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, has already stated they will be looking for a new captain after the team returns from Australia.

Yousuf though was ready to accept his destiny and said: "I don't mind it. The board appointed me captain and they can change me, but I think I have done a satisfactory job. "There is no pressure on me and neither has it affected my batting form." Australia's score of 267 for six was built around half-centuries from Shane Watson (69) and Cameron White (55) and the win gives them a 2-0 lead. The hosts can wrap up the five-match series with another win in Adelaide tomorrow on Australia Day, and captain Ricky Ponting expects his side to push on and continue to play to a high level.

"I have a feeling with this group and the way we have been playing our cricket that we won't let them back into the competition at all," said Ponting. arizvi@thenational.ae