PERTH, Australia: Australia delivered a commanding performance in the first Test against Pakistan at Perth, securing a resounding 360-run victory within four days.
Led by captain Pat Cummins, the Australian team showcased their prowess in both batting and bowling, setting a formidable target for Pakistan and sealing the win with a stellar display of cricket.
The Australian batting was spearheaded by Usman Khawaja, who fell just short of a century with a score of 90. Mitchell Marsh played a crucial role, remaining unbeaten on 63 and contributing to a run-a-ball partnership of 126 with Khawaja. Despite facing challenging conditions on the deteriorating Perth pitch, the Australian batters exhibited resilience and determination.
Nathan Lyon, the seasoned off-spinner, added a historic touch to the match by claiming his 500th Test wicket. Lyon’s achievement, making him the third Australian bowler to achieve this milestone, was celebrated with applause from the Perth crowd. The off-spinner’s contribution played a significant role in Australia’s dominant performance.
The match also saw impressive performances from debutant fast bowlers Khurram Shahzad and Aamer Jamal. The duo, making their mark in Test cricket, shared 12 of the 15 wickets in the game, adding depth to Australia’s bowling attack.
Pakistan faced a formidable task chasing a target of 450 runs, and their top-order crumbled against the relentless pace of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Cummins. The visitors’ struggle with the bat resulted in a collapse, with the team managing only 89 runs in 30.2 overs.
Australia’s captain Pat Cummins expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting a smooth build-up to the summer and a well-executed game plan. The victory not only marks a successful start to the series but also brings pride to off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who overcame a six-month injury hiatus to achieve the remarkable feat of 500 Test wickets.
Despite Pakistan’s challenging run-chase, Cummins praised the efforts of debutant bowlers Khurram Shahzad and Aamer Jamal, acknowledging their maturity and impressive performance. The comprehensive victory at Perth puts Australia in a commanding position in the three-match series.
As the series progresses, both teams will aim to make strategic adjustments to enhance their performance in the upcoming matches. The second Test at Melbourne promises another exciting chapter in the battle between Australia and Pakistan, with cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the teams’ strategic moves and standout performances.
