PERTH, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Nathan Lyon of Australia celebrates the wicket of Imam-ul-Haq of Pakistan during day three of the Men's First Test match between Australia and Pakistan at Optus Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Perth, Australia (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Pakistan tour of Australia (1st Test)
Australia stamped their authority in the First Test against Pakistan, securing an emphatic win by a whopping 360-run margin in a game played in Perth, Australia.
Their dominance began with a stellar performance in the first innings, bolstered by David Warner’s century, setting the stage for a resounding triumph. The visitors, unable to weather Australia’s relentless bowling, faced daunting challenges in both innings and ultimately failed to put up a fight.
Displaying sheer dominance, Australia piled on a formidable total in the first innings, amassing 487 runs before being dismissed by mid-Day 2.
David Warner’s exceptional knock of 167 runs and Mitchell Marsh’s 90 compounded Pakistan’s woes.
This substantial score laid the groundwork for Pakistan’s struggle, as they faltered to 271 by tea on Day 3, unable to match the intensity of the Australian squad.
Despite initial setbacks in the second innings, Usman Khawaja’s composed knock of 90, accompanied by contributions from Smith (43) and Marsh (63*), propelled Australia to declare at 233 for 5, setting the visitors a challenging target of 450 runs.
However, the Pakistani team crumbled to a mere 89 runs in their second innings, succumbing to a significant 360-run defeat.
The Australian pace attack wreaked havoc on Pakistan’s top order and picked up 3 wickets within the first 7 overs.
Continuing their assault, Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins secured 4 more wickets in the following twenty overs, with Hazlewood and Starc claiming three wicket a piece.
Nathan Lyon was also able to secure his much awaited 500th Test wicket, given the ball with 7 wickets on the board. The wily off spinner then bamboozled two of Pakistan’s low order in comical fashion before Hazlewood put Pakistan out of their misery.
Mitch Marsh was awarded the Man of the Match Award for his contributions of 90 and 63, helping Australia seal a 1-0 lead over Pakistan.
Chief Scores:
Australia – 487 for 10 (David Warner 167, Mitch Marsh 90, Aamer Jamal 6 for 111, Khurram Shahzad 2 for 83)
Pakistan – 271 for 10 (Imam Ul-Haq 62, Abdullah Shafique 42, Nathan Lyon 3 for 66, Pat Cummins 2 for 35)
Australia – 233 for 5 [dec] (Usman Khawaja 90, Mitchell Marsh 63*, Khurram Shahzad 3 for 45, Aamer Jamal 1 for 28)
Pakistan – 89 all out (Saud Shakeel 24, Babar Azam 14, Josh Hazlewood 3 for 13, Mitchell Starc 3 for 31)
