by: Atika Mehboob TN Sport Pakistan:
Day two of the first Test between Pakistan and Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth was a day of resilience and determination for the visitors. Trailing behind a mammoth 487-run total, Pakistan’s top order dug in deep, frustrating the Australian bowlers and reducing the deficit to 355 runs by stumps.
Opening batsman Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq put on a solid partnership of 74, putting Australia’s bowlers on the back foot. However, the breakthrough came when Lyon trapped Shafique in front for 42, ending a stubborn resistance.
New captain Shan Masood played a positive innings, scoring 30 runs off 43 balls before falling to Starc. Pakistan’s progress was hampered by the fall of the captain late in the day, just before stumps. However, they managed to reach 132-2 by the sunset. Although its still a long way from Australia’s total but the team looks in a better position than many had expected.
Australian bowlers have been clinical throughout the day, not making many mistakes. The pace trio Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood kept sharing the shiny new cherry to slow Pakistan’s scoring down. The match is evenly poised after two days, with Pakistan still having a long way to go to win but with the potential to set up a thrilling finish.
