Pakistan v Australia Report Card: Sarfraz, Fakhar and Lyon impress as hosts earn B-

Denzil Pinto 19:26 16/10/2018
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  • Sarfraz scored 94 runs on day one

    Debutant Fakhar Zaman and skipper Sarfraz Ahmed fell six runs short of a century as Pakistan recovered from a dreadful start to take a slight edge going into the second day of the second Test in Abu Dhabi against Australia.

    Batting first at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Pakistan were reeling at 57-5 as off-spinner Nathan Lyon took four wickets in six deliveries. Azhar Ali (15), Haris Sohail (0), Asad Shafiq (0) and Babar Azam (0) all departed after Mitchell Starc removed Mohammad Hafeez for four.

    Zaman and Sarfraz put on a vital 147-run stand for the sixth wicket before falling to Marnus Labuschagne as Pakistan scored 282.

    In reply, Usman Khawaja, who scored a stunning century to salvage a thrilling draw in Dubai, was dismissed for three by Mohammad Abbas. The seamer struck again to remove nightwatchman Peter Siddle off the last ball of the day to leave the tourists reeling at 20-2.

    Here, we look at the main talking points from the first day.

    THE GOOD

    Lyon roars: The 30-year-old took four wickets in the Dubai Test and made an instant impact in the UAE capital, matching that tally in the opening session alone. The surface had just enough grass and moisture to offer sharp spin and Lyon made the most of it. Azhar got lured into driving back to the bowler before Haris Sohail was caught the next ball. Lyon struck twice in his next over with the dismissals of Asad Shafiq and Babar Azam to leave Pakistan shell-shocked at 57-5.

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    Sarfraz silences his critics: Entering the crease with half of his team dismissed with just 57 on the board, Sarfraz had an opportunity to redeem himself and show he is still the best man for the captaincy role. The 32-year-old silenced his critics as he let his bat do the talking. Along with Zaman, the keeper put on a vital 147 for the sixth wicket. Sarfraz went on to to score his first Test fifty in four matches, hitting seven fours in his 129-ball knock that ended six short of a deserved century.

    THE BAD

    Pakistan’s top-order struggles: Sarfraz decided to bat first after winning the toss and it quickly turned in a nightmare as Pakistan’s experienced top-order batsmen fell like dominos. Sohail, Shafiq and Azam were at the crease only for a few minutes before falling to Lyon’s spin without a single run to their name. The image of a frustrated Mickey Arthur with his hands on his head spoke a thousand words.

    Siddle off target: While there was success for pacers Mitchell Marsh and Mitchell Starc, who took one and two wickets respectively, the same couldn’t be said of Peter Siddle. Yes, the conditions favoured spinners but the 33-year-old veteran didn’t seem threatening at all. He went wicketless in his 10 overs conceding 39 – the highest economy rate of all Australian bowlers on day one.

    KEY MOMENTS

    2.6 overs, great catch by Marnus: Mitchell Starc gets his first victim with veteran Mohammad Hafeez caught by a juggling Labuschagne.

    19.6 overs, Lyon on fire: Lyon claims his second wicket in as many balls. Haris Sohail out for a first-ball duck thanks to Travis Head’s excellent reflex catch at silly point. Follows Azhar Ali back to the pavilion.

    21.2  overs, Shafiq out: Tim Paine’s decision to review after the umpire ruled not out pays off. Lyon removes Asad Shafiq for a duck.

    21.4 overs, Lyon hits timber: The Australians celebrate again with Lyon defeating Azam in the air and hitting the stumps.

    27.4 overs, Zaman reached fifty: Opener Zaman brings up his maiden Test fifty.

    58.4 overs, Fakhar out: Zaman falls short of his century by six runs as he is trapped leg before by Labuschagne.

    72.6 overs, skipper walks back: Sarfraz is caught at cover as he becomes Labuschagne second victim of the day.

    KEY TURNING POINT

    Lyon’s four wickets in six balls

    Lyon’s four wickets threatened to turn the match and series in Australia’s favour. With the hosts five down for just about 50, the match and the series was their’s for the taking. However, Australia were unable to build on that advantage with Sarfraz and Zaman rebuilding the innings. Even so, it was a remarkable effort from arguably the finest all-round spinner in the game at the moment.

    VERDICT 

    Pakistan B –

    It was a mixed day for Pakistan. Although they took two late wickets thanks to Abbas, the top-order batsmen failed miserably against spin. If it wasn’t for Zaman and Sarfraz’s solid stand, Pakistan would be staring down the barrel. They have scored scored to 300 and snared to quick wickets. Overall, a good day for them.

    Australia C +

    Dominated the opening session. But instead of applying more pressure, allowed Pakistan to get back into the game. By the time Sarfraz and Zaman got out, the 200 was up. It was a fine effort from Lyon in particular and it’s now up to the batsmen to do the job on Wednesday and try and take the lead.

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