In a commanding performance at Perth, Australia secured a resounding 360-run victory over Pakistan in the opening Test. Pakistan’s ambitious pursuit of their first Test win in Australia since 1995 crumbled under the relentless pressure from Australia’s formidable pace attack and spin maestro Nathan Lyon, who claimed two crucial wickets.
Chasing a challenging target of 450, Pakistan folded for a mere 89 runs, with Lyon snaring 2-18, while Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood contributed three wickets each. Lyon, after being left stranded on 499 Test wickets, achieved the elusive 500-wicket milestone by dismissing Faheem Ashraf and Aamer Jamal in quick succession, joining an exclusive club of spin legends.
Australia declared their second innings at 233-5 on day four, setting a daunting target for Pakistan after dismissing them for 271 in the first innings. Skipper Pat Cummins made the declaration after opener Usman Khawaja’s resilient 90 and Mitchell Marsh’s unbeaten 63, which included a crucial 126-run partnership.
Facing a challenging chase, Pakistan’s hopes were dashed early on as Abdullah Shafique fell for two in the first over. Captain Shan Masood also departed soon after, leaving Pakistan reeling at 17-2. Starc and Hazlewood continued to dismantle the top order, accounting for Imamul Haq and Babar Azam.
Despite some resistance from Azam and Saud Shakeel, Lyon’s spin wizardry and Hazlewood’s precision dismantled the middle and lower order. Pakistan’s innings concluded with Lyon reaching the historic 500-wicket mark.
Australia’s resilience in their second innings was evident as they faced cracks on the pitch. Debutant Khurram Shahzad impressed by dismissing Smith early in the day. Travis Head showcased aggression but fell for 14, providing a glimmer of hope for Pakistan. However, Khawaja’s gritty half-century and Marsh’s resilient innings propelled Australia to a commanding position.
