Pakistan vs Australia, second Test Day 1: Khawaja ton takes visitors to 251

Usman Khawaja celebrates his entury against Pakistan in Karachi. (Image: Twitter/ Cricket Australia)
By Nilavro Ghosh | Mar 13, 2022 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Australia reached 251 for 3 at stumps on Day 1 of the second Test against Pakistan at the National Stadium in Karachi, thanks to Usman Khawaja’s sublime century and Steve Smith’s fine fifty. On 127, Khawaja was unbeaten, while nightwatchman Nathan Lyon was batting at zero. Steve Smith, who appeared to be on his way to three figures, was bowled for 72 at stumps thanks to a brilliant catch by Faheem Ashraf.

Before Pakistan pinned Australia back with two quick blows, Khawaja and David Warner had given Australia a strong start. Warner was unable to complete his fifty, while Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed for a duck. Australia had previously won the toss and elected to bat first.

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Both teams will be looking for a win ahead of the final Test in Lahore, after the first Test ended in a dead-rubber. On the eve of the second Test, Australia captain Pat Cummins confirmed that Queensland spinner Mitchell Swepson will make his Test debut in Karachi. In the starting lineup, he will take the place of Josh Hazlewood.

Memorable ton

It was Khawaja’s 11th century, but few will be as memorable as his family’s achievement in the city where he was born. “This is my home,” he said after the day’s play as per Fox Cricket.

“This is where the Khawajas are from. Every one of my family is born in Karachi except me. It’s nice to get a hundred. It would have been nice to get a hundred both there (Rawalpindi) and here, but I’ll take this one.”

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With Khawaja and Smith untroubled, Pakistan attempted a defensive ploy by bowling a leg stump line with spinners Sajid and Nauman Ali, but Australia’s batters remained patient, with Smith constantly padding up during an excruciating period in which no boundaries were struck for 23 overs. Nauman’s rather ambitious lbw shout against Smith for a delivery pitching way out outside leg stump.

The match came alive before stumps as Pakistan reverted to trying to take wickets, with Hasan eking out Smith for the second time in the 70s, much to his surprise.

The historic series, the first between the teams in Pakistan since 1998, began with a stalemate due to a lifeless Rawalpindi pitch rated as below average by the International Cricket Council (ICC). But it’s been more of the same, with conditions skewed towards the batters, though there was some reverse swing before tea, and Nauman did conjure up the odd turn and bounce before resorting to the negative tactics.





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