Published: Dec 20, 2016, 07:40 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 20, 2016, 07:40 PM (IST)
Pakistan lost their first of the three Tests against Australia at The Gabba, Brisbane, by 39 runs. If you recall, Pakistan were bowled out for mere 142 in reply to Australia’s 429 in the first innings, handing a 287-run lead to the hosts. But then, how come Pakistan lost only by 39 runs, especially when they were chasing a humongous target of 490? In what turned out to be one of the most dogged performances by a visiting team in Australia, Pakistan fought till the end, chasing close to 500, they made 450 in the second innings, registering the highest total in the fourth innings in Australia.
Earlier in the game, Australia opted to bat, scored 429 in the first innings, which included centuries from skipper Steven Smith (130) and Peter Handscomb (105). Wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfraz Ahmed’s 59 was was one of the bright spots alongside Mohammad Aamer’s 48. Out of 11 players, only 4 scored in double figures. The Australian pacers gave a horrid time as all three — Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Jackson Bird — got 3 wickets each.
Full cricket scorecard: Australia vs Pakistan, 1st day-night Test at Brisbane
In the start of the second innings, Australia had a healthy lead of 287 and came into bat rather than enforcing follow-on to score 202 for loss of 5 wickets. Australia captain notched up a run-a-ball fifty and a well-constructed half-century from Usman Khawaja (74) meant Pakistan had to chase a gigantic target of 490.
With at least 217 overs to bat and reputation on the line after Pakistan batting had gone down in a heap in New Zealand just a few weeks back, visitors had only two options: either give up the fight or showcase what they can do. Pakistan chose the latter.
Pakistan produced a formidable batting show, and the statistical part of it is already highlighted here. Let us take a look at what the Pakistani team did individually at The Gabba:
Azhar Ali (6.5/10) – Scores of 5 and 71
The first innings was a forgetful one for Pakistan. The debacle started from the top with Azhar being the first to get out. He was dismissed cheaply in the first over off Starc but bounced back with a resilient 71 in the second innings. His 71 at the top of the order proved very influential in reigniting the fire in the Pakistan side.
Sami Aslam (4/10) – Scores of 22 and 15
In the first innings for Pakistan, where all other batsmen were struggling against the Australian pace, Aslam kept calm and looked confident. Was hit on his helmet thrice in the first innings, and in the second never got going. He has shown time and again the capacity to play sensible cricket despite being under pressure but somehow he lacked the same at The Gabba. His stay was limited, yet a little convincing.
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Babar Azam (3/10) – Scores 19 and 14
Babar Azam got out to a poor shot in both innings and looked confused throughout. He displayed poor feet movement and looked very late in picking up the line and length of the bowlers. His problem with out-swinging deliveries was exposed by the Australian pacers and hence resulted in the dismal scores.
Younis Khan (6/10) – Scores 0 and 65
Younis Khan is/was probably in one of his lowest of forms. A golden duck in the first innings and in second he scored 65. Took 20 balls to get the off the mark He did score a fifty and played some great reverse-sweeps against Lyon who was spinning the ball back into the right-hander. The team needs a lot from Younis given his stature in the team but his dismal form has taken toll on him. It was great to see him get back in form but definitely needed a lot more than just 65 from him given the condition Pakistan were in.
Misbah-ul-Haq (4/10) – Scores 4 and 5
Misbah had a disastrous match. He never looked like in the game and his presence with the bat can hardly be recalled. He lasted for 54 balls in total and only managed to score 9 runs. Pakistan skipper will have to make sure of rectifying his mistakes before the second Test begins as he and Younis hold a lot of responsibility in the middle-order.
Asad Shafiq (9.5/10) – Scores 2 and 137
Asad Shafiq is the man of the moment for Pakistan. It was his innings of 137 that brought the match so close. At one point where it seemed like Pakistan were en route to an embarrassing defeat, he displayed great resilience to try doing something team Pakistan could not even think of. In the second innings, it did take a special delivery from Starc to dismiss him, but before that he played some exceptional cricket and with the way he brought his changes while batting along with the tail was brilliant improvisation. He single-handedly injected life into a game that looked long lost from the grasp of visitors.
Despite just 2 in the first innings, he deserves a perfect 10 for his brilliant effort. Maybe 0.5 dedication for the defeat but it was one of the finest knocks played in recent times.
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Sarfraz Ahmed (6/10) – Scores 59* and 24
He is the safe hands behind the wicket. In the first innings, he batted brilliantly, a lone-wolf battle. He came out to bat 54 for 5 and displayed a great example of counter-attack. The same effort was needed from him in the second innings but was dismissed by Starc who bowled in perfect yorker. He needed to be little more patient in the run-chase as he had Shafiq batting alongside, but maybe the pressure took the toll of him.
Mohammad Aamer (7/10) – Scores 21 and 48. Bowling figures 4 for 97 and 1 for 37
Probably the best bowler for Pakistan in the first Test. He took 5 wickets in total (4 in the first innings) but he also made good use of the pitch. Got the ball to swing both ways and utilised the pitch well, but needs to be more in the consistency zone when it comes to taking wickets. It was in the run-chase that shot to the limelight. When Aamer came out to bat, Pakistan had 220 runs for the loss of 6 wickets and it appeared like Pakistan would lay down their guns. But he struck hard and made 98 runs stand for the 7th wicket along with Shafiq to inch closer to the target.
Wahab Riaz (6/10) – Scores 1 and 30; Bowling figures 4 for 89 and 1 for 47
Wahab Riaz has pace, good action but no control on his bowling. When he is bang on, he is lethal, but once he strays down the wrong line he cannot be contained. That is how his performance in the first Test. Again, consistency has been the main problem for Riaz. He is strong which enables him to bowl some beautiful bouncers but hasn’t used his ability to the full.
Yasir Shah (5/10) – Scores 1 and 33; Bowling figures 2 for 129 and 1 for 45
Yasir Shah had rather a dull match with the ball going by his standards. His dismal form has carried in from since New Zealand tour when he was rested for the second Test. He did bat well in the second innings, but he will have to bounce back soon. With him being the main arsenal in the Pakistan spin bowling, Yasir will have to re-find his form before it’s too late. He, however, played a good role with the bat in the second innings and fought it out with Yasir.
Rahat Ali (3/10) – Scores 4 and 1*; Bowling figures and 0 for 74 and 2 for 40
Probably the only player from the Pakistan starting XI that never felt like being in the squad. His selection seemed futile as he was all over the place while bowling. He struggled to get wickets and was not able to tighten the screws when it came to scoring.
