First test between Australia & Pakistan ends in thrilling draw, Khwaja hits ton

Speed Post News Network

Patna : The first test between Australia and Pakistan ended in a thrilling draw on the fifth and final day of the match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, UAE, on October 11, 2018. Chasing a target of 462 to win the test, Australia were staring at defeat having lost three wickets in the third session of the play on the fourth day and had to bat the entire fifth day to salvage a draw with seven wickets in hand.

They did exactly that ending the final day’s play at 362/8 in 139.5 overs with two wickets in hand riding on a brilliant 141 by opener Usman Khwaja, 72 by Travis Head, and 61 not out by captain and wicketkeeper Tim Paine. It was 7th test century of Khwaja.

Spinner Nathan Lyon faced 34 ball and remained 5 not out. Paine and Lyon added 29 run for the 9th wicket.  Australia had lost their 6th wicket ( Khwaja) when the score was 331 and lost 7th and 8th wicket at 333 and it looked like Pakistan could win the match. Although the match ended in draw, it had a nail biting finish.

For Pakistan, spinner Yasir Shah took 4/114 while fast bowler Mohammad Abbas took 3/56. Mohammad Hafeez also took a wicket. Spinner Bilal Asif, who had taken 6 wickets in Australia’s first innings, went wicketless in the second innings. Abbas took 7 wickets in the match

Pakistan were all out for 482 in their first innings and declared at 181/6 in their second innings. Australia had scored just 202 in their first innings and 362/8 in their second innings.