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Australia put Pakistan on the ropes in first Test

Pakistan were struggling at 70 for two in their second innings while chasing Australia’s mammoth target of 490 runs on the third day of the first Test match at the Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday.

Australia captain Steven Smith plays a shot on the third day of the first Test match against Pakistan at the Gabba on Saturday.
Australia captain Steven Smith plays a shot on the third day of the first Test match against Pakistan at the Gabba on Saturday. Saeed Khan/AFP
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At the close of play, Azhar Ali was unbeaten on 41 while Younis Khan was not off the mark after facing 19 balls.

Earlier Australia captain Steve Smith did not enforce the follow-on despite securing a 287-run lead over the visitors, who were dismissed for a paltry 142 in the first innings.

Resuming the day on 97 for eight, the Pakistani tail-enders displayed more grit than the top order as the last two wickets added 45 runs with Sarfraz Ahmed and Mohammad Amir put on a stubborn 54 runs for the ninth wicket. Ahmed remained unbeaten on 59.

For Australia Mitchel Starc and Josh Hazlewood took three wickets each while Jackson Bird chipped in with two wickets giving away just seven runs.

In their second innings Australia scored briskly reaching 202 for five in just 39 overs. Usman Khawaja top scored with 74 runs in 109 balls while Smith smashed 63 from just 70 balls.

Pakistan got off to a slightly better start in the second innings as they lost two wickets at the close of play.

The openers lasted till the 12th over before Starc dismissed Sami Aslam. Babar Azam fell to Nathan Lyon with the team score on 54.

Pakistan not only have to defy Australia’s in-form fast bowling trio but also history in order to win the Test.

The highest winning run chase at the Gabba stands at 236 for seven by Australia in 1951 while the record highest-ever Test run chase was of 418 runs achieved by the West Indies in in 2003.

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