Australia's Starc and Cummins Wreak Havoc as Pakistan Crumble for 203
Australia's pace duo of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins ran riot on day one of the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, bowling the visitors out for a paltry 203. The relentless pressure and incisive bowling from the Australian duo ensured a dominant start to the series for the visitors.
Starc and Cummins Lead the Charge
Starc, playing his 100th Test, delivered a fiery spell early on, picking up two crucial wickets to break the back of the Pakistan batting line-up. He finished the day with figures of 3/50, including the wickets of Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, and Babar Azam, the Pakistan captain.
Cummins, on the other hand, was equally effective, consistently hitting the right lengths and troubling the Pakistani batsmen with his relentless pace and movement. He bagged a career-best 5/56, including the prized scalp of Mohammad Rizwan and the dangerous Faheem Ashraf.
Pakistan Struggle to Respond
Despite a fighting 71 from Abdullah Shafique, the Pakistan batting lineup looked brittle against the relentless bowling attack. Apart from Shafique's gritty knock, no other Pakistani batsman managed to cross the 30-run mark. The hosts struggled to cope with the pace and movement of the Australian bowlers, succumbing to their relentless pressure throughout the day.
Australia Take Control
With a strong start, Australia will be looking to capitalize on their advantage and build a substantial lead in the first innings. The Australian batsmen will have a golden opportunity to score big runs and put the hosts under further pressure.
The first Test match in Rawalpindi has set the stage for a captivating series. Australia's dominant performance, fueled by the brilliance of Starc and Cummins, has given them a firm grip on the match. The remaining days promise a thrilling battle, with Pakistan needing to bounce back strongly to stay in the contest.