Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc bowled an unplayable delivery, dismissing Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed on Day 3 of the first Test match. Pakistan found themselves in trouble, losing six wickets for less than 200 runs in the first innings.
The Australian team recorded a total of 487 runs in the first match of the series at the Optus Stadium. Aamir Jamal achieved his first five-wicket haul, taking 6 wickets for 111 runs. Khurram Shahzad claimed two wickets, while Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf contributed one each.
Pakistan’s opening batsmen Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq got off to a promising start, adding 74 runs for the first wicket. Shafique scored 42 runs before being dismissed by Nathan Lyon on Day 2. Shan Masood (30) was dismissed by Mitchell Starc just short of stumps.
Pakistan, who started the day at 132-2, faced an early setback with the dismissal of night watchman Khurram Shahzad. Imam-ul-Haq (62) lost patience and left after half a century of goals. Star batsman Babar Azam was also dismissed in quick succession, managing only 21 runs.
Watch – Mitchell Starc makes Sarfaraz Ahmed cartwheel outside off stump
Mitchell Starc, with a 75-over ball, took a significant swing against Sarfaraz Ahmed. His delivery came back, crashing through the gap between bat and pad and sending the stump out of position. Pakistan were reduced to 195-6 after the dismissal.
GOEEEEEEEEEEEEED!
A beautiful thing by Mitchell Starc! #GameOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance | #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/tc7VJf2zQP
– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 16, 2023
The Shan Masood-led team lost all eight of their wickets for 241 runs in the first innings. Saud Shakeel (28) and Faheem Ashraf (9) were sent off for low scores. Pakistan cricket team needs to score 288 runs to avoid continuation in the first Test of the three-match series.
Australia vs Pakistan playing XI
The Australian team made just one change to their eleven, with Nathan Lyon returning to the team, replacing Todd Murphy from August’s Ashes final at The Oval. The Pakistan team included two debutants, Aamir Jamal and Khurram Shahzad, in their playing eleven.
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Aamir Jamal and Khurram Shahzad.
Australia: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
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