Travis Head has starred on his return to Australia's one-day side as they claimed an 88-run victory over Pakistan in the opening One-Day International in Lahore.
The Australians were set up for their victory by opening batsman Head, who smashed 101 off 72 deliveries as the tourists set Pakistan a target of 314.
Head was assisted by first drop Ben McDermott, who chimed in with a half-century of his own before Pakistan went about their chase.
Early on things looked good for the home side as Imam Ul-haq (103) and Babar Azam (57) put on 96 for the second wicket before leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson broke their partnership, trapping Azam leg before.
Swepson would later finish the Pakistan tail off, leaving them all out for 225 when Haris Rauf was caught at long-on.
Swepson though was overshadowed by fellow leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who ripped through Pakistan's middle order, taking 4-38 from his 10 overs as Australia took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Head also snared 2-35 off six overs in a surprise cameo with the ball, but it was with the bat that he inflicted the most damage.
The 28-year-old was on just one when he was given out LBW in the second over.
Head immediately reviewed the decision, with replays showing Mohammad Wasim's delivery had pitched outside leg stump.
The left-hander made the most of the reprieve, punishing anything wide to bring up his half-century off 32 balls.
By the time Head brought up his tonne off 70 balls, he had cracked three sixes and 12 fours.
It was the fastest ODI century by an Australian against Pakistan.
McDermott added 55 off 70 balls as Australia raced to 1-171 in the 25th over, but the run rate then slowed due to the regular fall of wickets.
Only some late lusty blows from Cameron Green (40 not out off 30 balls) ensured Australia picked up the pace again.
"The boys played really well. The opening batsmen set the tone early for us. It was a really competitive total.
"Our quick bowlers put some good pressure at the start and we got the results at the end."
It was an impressive win for Australia given the visitors entered the match with just 13 fit players to choose from after being ravaged by injuries and COVID-19.
Less than 24 hours after Josh Inglis entered isolation after contracting COVID-19, spinner Ashton Agar was also struck down with the virus.
Allrounder Mitch Marsh (hip) and Steve Smith (elbow) were out injured, while Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and David Warner were all rested from the white-ball component of the tour.
ABC/AAP
