Michael Clarke continued to mount his irrepressible claim for a permanent opening berth with a freewheeling century as Australia thumped Pakistan by nine wickets in the limited overs tri-series match at the SCG.

The man whose position Clarke is closing in on, Matthew Hayden, made a comparatively modest 27 from 65 balls, ensuring debate continued about who should be Adam Gilchrist's partner atop the order when the finals roll around.

Hold all bets on Test great Hayden being at the 2007 World Cup.

Clarke pulled with vigour, launched a square cut into the Members Stand and played a few cover drives that were beautiful as well as deadly.

His 103 not out came from 107 balls with 14 fours and a six, sending Australia to 1-167 in replay to Pakistan's 163.

He proved yet again why he is being seriously considered as the sidekick to the equally swashbuckling Gilchrist even when Australia is at full strength.

Hayden is a superb batsman, of course, but Clarke is better right now in one-dayers.

He has opened five times for 371 runs at an average of 123.67. And his first attempt at opening was a duck.

Sadly, there was only going to be one winner for most of the day-night match. A tight finish some time would be great.

The only doubt was whether Clarke would reach three figures. He was on 95 with Australia needing six runs to pass Pakistan's 163 and with help from Ricky Ponting, who gave up trying to score runs, he snuck home.

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