Pakistan Held To 203 By Starc, Cummins Bowling

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Post on Nov 04, 2024

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Pakistan Held to 203 by Starc, Cummins Bowling: Aussies Take Control in First Test

The first Test match between Pakistan and Australia in Rawalpindi took a dramatic turn on Day 1, with the hosts being bowled out for a modest 203 despite a promising start. The Australian bowling attack, spearheaded by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, proved too strong for the Pakistani batting lineup, taking wickets at regular intervals. The visitors now hold a crucial advantage heading into Day 2.

A Steady Start for Pakistan

Pakistan began the match with a confident display of batting, with Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique putting on a 71-run partnership for the first wicket. This partnership gave the hosts a solid platform, but the introduction of the Australian pace attack changed the momentum of the match.

Starc and Cummins Strike Back

Mitchell Starc, the left-arm fast bowler, was the pick of the Australian bowlers, claiming 5 wickets for 53 runs. He troubled the Pakistani batsmen with his pace and swing, making life difficult for them on a flat pitch. Starc bowled a fiery spell, sending back key players like Babar Azam (4) and Mohammad Rizwan (1).

Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, also played a vital role in restricting Pakistan's score. He dismissed the dangerous Imam-ul-Haq (50), ending a promising innings, and finished with 2 wickets for 37 runs. The Australian bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the day, with Nathan Lyon also contributing with 2 wickets.

A Day of Disappointments for Pakistan

Pakistan's batting lineup failed to capitalize on the promising start. Despite a half-century from Imam-ul-Haq, none of the other batsmen could contribute significantly. The batting order crumbled under the pressure of the Australian bowlers, leading to a series of quick wickets.

The Pakistan bowlers, on the other hand, were largely ineffective against the Australian openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja. The pair put on an unbeaten stand of 118 runs, setting the stage for a strong Australian reply on Day 2.

Key Takeaways from Day 1

• The Australian pace attack, particularly Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, proved to be the difference between the two teams.
• Pakistan's batting lineup struggled against the disciplined bowling, leading to a below-par total.
• The Australian openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja have given their team a strong platform for the second innings.

What's Next?

Day 2 promises to be an exciting day of cricket. The Australian batsmen will look to build on their strong start and post a substantial score. Pakistan, on the other hand, will need to improve their batting performance if they want to get back into the match. The outcome of the first Test match hangs in the balance, and the battle between bat and ball will be intense.