The cricket drought of Australian test team playing in Pakistan is over with the end of first day of first test at Pindi Cricket stadium. Pakistan made a solid start with a 102-run opening partnership between Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq. Imam-ul-Haq completed his century in style and will begin his innings on the second day at 132 not out. Abdullah Shafique, who opened the innings alongside his partner Imam-ul-Haq, scored 44 runs from 105 balls with one six and three fours. Unfortunately, he was trapped lbw by Nathan Lyon in the 34th over, falling into the hands of Australian Test team captain Pat Cummins.
The Senior most in the team Azhar Ali joined Imam and both put on pressure on Nathan Lyon and other Australian bowlers impressively till day end at 245/1 in 90 overs. Azhar Ali 64 not out on 165 deliveries with one six and 4 fours.
The Australian pace attack struggled to take wickets on a pitch that offered equal opportunities for both bowlers and batsmen on the first day at Pindi Cricket Stadium. Mitchel Starc bowled 16 overs with four maiden and costed 43 runs, Josh Hazelwood 14 with 3 maiden and 24 runs, Captain Cummins 15 overs with 3 maiden and 34 runs, Head 3 overs with 13 runs, Green 5 overs with 18 runs in which one was maiden, Labuschagne bowled 4 overs with 17 runs and Steve Smith also bowled 2 overs with 5 runs. The only successful bowler for Australia was Nathan Lyon, who bowled 31 overs, took the wicket of Abdullah Shafique, and bowled 4 maiden overs, conceding 87 runs in total.
The spectators were good in numbers chanting and supporting both the teams but the special messages to welcome Australia are impressive.
