Pakistan completed a fine 373-run win over Australia in the Abu Dhabi Test to clinch the series 1-0 on Friday.
Australia faced a daunting target of 538 but were realistically looking to bat out two days to earn a respectable draw.
But as was the case in the first Test in Dubai and the first innings of the second Test, Mohammad Abbas wrecked the Australian line-up, picking his second five-wicket haul of the match.
Here we rate the Pakistan players following the series victory.
SARFRAZ AHMED – 8
It was a commendable comeback from the Pakistan captain after what was a poor Dubai Test with the bat, gloves and as captain. His fighting knocks of 94 and 81, having endured hits to the forearm and head, plus calm captaincy not only ensured a resounding win but also brought stability to his leadership ahead of the World Cup.
Hafeez (l) and Imam.
IMAM-UL-HAQ – 7
Another fine outing in international cricket for the left-handed opener. Murmurs about him being preferred because he is the chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq’s nephew might continue but Imam continues to put the runs on board. Played a fine hand in a double century opening stand in the first innings of Dubai Test and followed that fifty with a 48 in the second. Fractured his finger while fielding so couldn’t play in Dubai.
MOHAMMAD HAFEEZ – 6.5
Started brilliantly with a comeback century in Dubai and took a wicket. But the Abu Dhabi Test was a forgettable one for the all-rounder. Looked circumspect against the pace of Mitchell Starc and got out to him in both innings. At 38, he needs to be a lot more consistent as Imam is likely to slot straight back in when he gets fit.
Fakhar Zaman.
FAKHAR ZAMAN – 8
Not many thought he was Test material. A poor Asia Cup saw him sidelined altogether. But injury to Imam saw him being drafted in the playing XI, mainly because he is a left-hander who can score quickly. And he made a massive statement as he made 94 and 66 in the UAE capital. Deserved a century but there will be more chances in the future. Looked comfortable at the crease and Pakistan fans will be hoping he can become their own hard-hitting David Warner.
AZHAR ALI – 5
Scored one fifty in four innings when a lot more was required from the Test specialist, especially since others were not in great nick. Failed to cross 20 when the pressure was on but hit a fifty when Pakistan were well and truly on top. His bizarre run-out also goes against him. However, no alarm bells as yet because there is isn’t any serious flaw in his batting.
HARIS SOHAIL – 6
An excellent century in the first innings if the first Test followed by a 39. But failed to make an impact in Abu Dhabi, bagging a golden duck and a 17. Didn’t bowl his left-arm spin in the second match either. However, showed enough promise to be given another opportunity. One more substantial knock from him would have made it a memorable series.
ASAD SHAFIQ – 7
Consistent in both matches. Made 80 and 41 in the Dubai draw and 44 in the second innings in Abu Dhabi when Pakistan were looking for quick runs. His two-ball duck against Nathan Lyon in the first innings the second match was the only blemish. Took over captaincy from Sarfraz Ahmed after the latter got injured and duly wrapped up victory in a session and a half.
Fakhar 94
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) October 18, 2018
Sarfraz 94
Babar 99
First time ever that three Pakistan batsmen have scored nervous 90s in the same Test. #PakvAus
BABAR AZAM – 6
Scored runs only when the pressure was off. Made four in the first innings in Dubai and was one of three batsmen to be out for duck in the first innings of second Test. For a batsman who is supposed to take Pakistan batting forward in the next decade, a lot more was expected. But a 99 in Abu Dhabi has restored confidence in his batting. The team management must be glad their star Test batsman has runs under his belt.
BILAL ASIF – 8
Had to wait a long time for his Test debut but grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Rolled the Aussies over with six wickets on debut but couldn’t finish the game off as the Aussies held on for a draw. Then snared three wickets again in the first innings in the second match. His wristy off-spinners, top spinners and doosra were a delight to watch.
Mohammad Abbas.
MOHAMMAD ABBAS – 10
It is just not possible for a seamer to bowl any better on the slow surfaces of the UAE. Be it the new ball or old ball, first or second innings – Abbas was at the batsmen all the time. Seventeen wickets from four innings was an extraordinary effort as he got movement off the pitch when much quicker and established seamers like Starc and Peter Siddle got nothing. Another man-of-the-series award for the humble yet lethal seamer.
YASIR SHAH – 6.5
The leg-spinner disappointed in four days of the Dubai Test before roaring into life in the final two sessions. But he couldn’t seal victory. Picked up one in the first innings of Abu Dhabi before finishing things off in the second with three scalps. But even he will admit that had it not been for the extraordinary bowling of Abbas, his lack of bite could have been exposed. Needs to raise the bar as Shadab Khan is waiting in the wings.
MIR HAMZA – 5.5
Took the wicket of Shaun Marsh. And what a wicket it was. The left-arm seamer is known to bowl well to left-handers and he bowled an absolute peach that moved away enough from Shaun to clip his off-stump. Wasn’t required to bowl much in the deciding Test but must be proud of his effort on debut for Pakistan.
WAHAB RIAZ – 3
The left-arm quick has enough experience of bowling on UAE surfaces. His inclusion in the first Test ahead of Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali made sense. But he went wicketkless in both innings and barely looked like troubling Australia’s batsmen. Abbas outbowled him even in the reverse swing department, which was surprising. Dropped for the second match.
