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Pakistan reach 132-2 at stumps in first Test against Australia

Aamer Jamal bowled with pace and confidence to claim a six-wicket haul

By Web Desk
December 15, 2023


Imam-ul-Haq (L) plays a shot bowled by Australia´s Nathan Lyon during the second day of the first Test cricket match between Australia and Pakistan in Perth on December 15, 2023. — AFP
Imam-ul-Haq (L) plays a shot bowled by Australia´s Nathan Lyon during the second day of the first Test cricket match between Australia and Pakistan in Perth on December 15, 2023. — AFP

PERTH: Pakistan reached 132-2 at stumps on Friday after Abdullah Shafique top-scored with 42 as the visitors trailed by 355 runs chasing Australia’s 487.

David Warner and Mitchell Marsh built Australia's imposing first-innings total with scores of 164 and 90. Seamer Aamer Jamal bowled with pace and confidence to claim a six-wicket haul on his debut and help Pakistan bowl Australia out on day two of the first test in Perth.

Resuming on 15, Marsh dominated the first session by bludgeoning Pakistan's inexperienced bowling attack to all parts of the vast Perth Stadium in an attacking knock of 15 fours and a glorious six eased over deep midwicket.

In the later session, openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq gave Pakistan a solid start as they added 74 runs for the first wicket. However, Lyon gave Australia a breakthrough after removing Shafique for 42.

Captain Shan Masood looked good during his 30 runs, in 43 balls, but he was also dismissed towards the close of play after chasing a wide delivery from Mitchell Starc as Alex Carey completed the catch behind the stumps.

However, Imam played a resolute knock and was unbeaten on 38 runs while facing 136 balls.

Nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad was not out on seven runs.