Benaud-Qadir Trophy Archives

Khawaja, Labuschagne stand firm as Australia extend their lead to 489

KARACHI: Australia’s left-handed opener Usman Khawaja and the top-order batter Marnus Labuschagne stood firm as Australia extended their lead to 489 before the stumps on day three of the second Test, here on Monday.

Before the conclusion of the third day of the Karachi Test, Australia finished at 81/1 as Khawaja and Labuschagne made sure that the touring side do not lose any wicket. Khawaja scored an unbeaten 35, while Labuschagne remained not out with his 37.

David Warner, on the other hand, fell short after scoring just seven.

Australia continued their momentum with the ball in the third session as the touring side bowled out Pakistan for 148 to take a massive lead of 408 runs.

Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam remained the lone-warrior for the home side; scoring 36, while the rest of the batters could not manage to score much.

Earlier, Australia experienced a resounding session as they put the hosts on the backfoot by taking six wickets. In the eventful second session, Pakistan, on the other hand, could only add 62 runs.

Pakistan’s last-match centurion Imam-ul-Haq fell in the first over after Lunch as the left-handed batter threw his wicket to Nathan Lyon after attempting to slog the ball. He scored 20 off 64 balls and hit three boundaries.

Following his departure, Azhar Ali put on a brief 15-runs partnership with Babar before the former made his way back after edging the ball to the slip. He scored 14 off 37 balls.

Azhar’s dismissal sparked the collapse which reduced Pakistan to 97/7 as Fawad Alam bagged a golden duck, while Mohammad Rizwan, Faheem Ashraf, and Sajid Khan scored cheaply and could not get to the double-figures.

The first session of the third day was also an eventful one as the touring side first declared their innings at 556/9 and then an early wicket of Abdullah slightly tilted the game in the favour of the Aussies.

The right-handed batter scored 13 before a direct hit from Swepson stopped his stay at the crease.

Resuming at an overnight score of 505/8, Australian skipper Pat Cummins’s fiery cameo of 34 runs bolstered the visitors’ score to 556/9 as his partner Mitchell Starc could only face two balls on the ongoing third day and walked back without adding to his overnight score of 28.

Cummins, on the other hand, added a valuable 51 runs with the debutant for the 10th wicket as Swepson also chipped in with his unbeaten 15.

For Pakistan, Faheem and Sajid bagged two wickets each, while Nauman Ali, Babar, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Hasan struck out a batter each.

READ: Pakistan Cup: Sindh, KPK, SP secure sixth-round triumphs

Carey misses out on century but Australia finish at 505/8 at Stumps

KARACHI: Australia’s wicket-keeper batter Alex Carey missed on his century after Usman Khawaja’s 160 but the touring side finished at 505/8 on the stumps of the second day of the Karachi Test, here on Sunday.

Australia added 98 runs in the final session of the second day, while Pakistan managed to take one wicket.

Australia’s wicket-keeper batter Carey, who notched up his half-century in the opening minutes of the third session, missed on his well-deserved century by just seven runs as Babar Azam castled the left-handed batter for 93.

His partner Mitchell Starc, stood firm and carried his bat till the stumps. Starc (26*) and Cummins (0*) will now resume the proceedings at 505/8 on the third day.

For Pakistan, Faheem Ashraf and Sajid Khan bagged two wickets each, while Babar, Hasan Ali, and Nauman Ali managed to make one scalp apiece.

After four sessions in favour of Australia, Pakistan managed to dominate the fifth. The home side managed to take three wickets in the eventful second session of the second day; taking three wickets including a big one of Khawaja.

Khawaja, who was looking exceptional, fell short to Sajid Khan in the 131st over as the right-arm spinner castled the left-hander to provide a major breakthrough to the home side. Khawaja scored a splendid 160 off 369 balls with the help of 15 boundaries and a six.

Before, Khawaja’s dismissal, Head also perished earlier in the second session as Nauman Ali trapped him in his legs for 23. Furthermore, in the last over before the Tea break, Nauman provided another success to Pakistan in the form of Cameron Green’s wicket.

The right-handed batter 28 off 73 balls including two boundaries and a six.

Earlier in the morning session, Australia, resuming at an overnight score of 251/3, managed to pile a further 81-runs to set their sights on a 450 plus mark.

The nightwatchman acted as the aggressor during his valuable fifty-plus partnership with Khawaja and assisted the touring side to score at a quick rate.

Lyon’s cameo however came to an end in the 106th over as Faheem Ashraf delivered a peach to castle the right-handed batter for 38. He faced 62 balls and smashed five boundaries.

Khawaja, on the other hand, batted sensibly before and after Lyon’s dismissal and became the third opening batter to score 150 against Pakistan.

It was a frustrating session for Pakistan as they leaked 81 runs in 27 overs and managed to get just one wicket.

READ: Blind Cricket: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh to compete in a tri-series

‘We are aiming to score 450 to 500’ Usman Khawaja

KARACHI: Australia’s centurion on the opening day of the second Test of the ongoing Benaud-Qadir Trophy Usman Khawaja revealed that the touring side has set their sights on a score of 450 to 500, here on Saturday.

Usman, while talking to the media after the conclusion of the opening day of the Karachi Test, has revealed the team’s plan to score more than 450 runs in the first innings.

“We will have to score anything more than 450 to keep the match in our favour and exert the pressure on the opposition batters,” he said.

Usman, who notched up his first century in Pakistan – his country of birth – said it is special for the left-handed batter.

“I think every century is special so does it. I felt really happy to hear the crowd chanting my name,” he said.

The left-handed batter further revealed that some of his relatives were present in the stadium and witnessed him scoring the century.

“Some of my relatives were in the stand. My mother also belongs to Karachi, so I am happy for her as well,” he said.

Australia’s centurion further acknowledged Pakistan’s bowling attack for keeping things tight for the batters and scored the flow of runs.

“I think it is hard for the pacers to bowl in hot weather conditions. But, I think they did exceptionally well to stop the flow of runs by tight bowling,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention here that Usman notched up his first century in his country of birth here today and his 11th combined in Test cricket. The left-handed batter is country unbeaten with 127 and will resume Australia’s innings at 251/3 alongside the nightwatchman Nathan Lyon.

READ: ‘Australia got the upper hand by winning the toss’ Mohammad Rizwan

‘Australia got the upper hand by winning the toss’ Mohammad Rizwan

KARACHI: Pakistan’s wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan said that Australia benefited by winning the toss and batting first on the first day of the Karachi Test of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy here on Saturday.

Rizwan, while talking to the presser after the conclusion of the opening day of the Karachi Test, claimed that the touring side benefited by opting to bat first.

“I think it has benefited Australia to win the toss and opt to bat first,” Rizwan said.

“The Australian batsmen took advantage of the wicket at the start,” he added.

Rizwan then went on to opine about Karachi’s pitch and said it is different to that of Pindi, while at the same time expressing his hope for a consequential match.

“Karachi’s wicket is different from Pindi. I hope Karachi’s Test will be consequential,” he said.

“In my opinion, the ball will gradually get more spin on Karachi wicket in the coming days,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention here that Australia scored 251/3 after the first day’s play of the second Test. Australia’s Usman Khawaja scored a magnificent first hundred in his country of birth, while Steve Smith followed with his 72 before getting out in closing minutes of the day.

For Pakistan, Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf managed to make one scalp each.

READ: Usman’s century remains in spotlight as Australia score 251/3 at stumps

‘We are capable of taking 20 wickets in Karachi Test’ Pat Cummins

KARACHI: Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has said that the Aussies are capable enough of taking 20 wickets in the second Test of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, starting from tomorrow.

In a virtual media interaction, the Australian captain claimed that his side can pick 20 wickets in the upcoming second Test while relying on their spin bowling options. Cummins also confirmed that the leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson will be debuting against Pakistan tomorrow.

“Karachi’s pitch looks good for the spin. Therefore, we have decided to rest [Josh] Hazlewood and Swepson will make his debut,” he said.

“Nathan Lyon and leg-spinner Swepson will make a big difference in our bowling attack for Karachi Test. I think we are eligible enough of taking all the 20 wickets,” he added.

Cummins then went on to opine about NSK’s pitch and said the pitch looks dry and beneficial for the bowlers.

“We had a look at the pitch and it seems a bit dry and favourable for the bowlers. It looks like there will be a break on the wicket,” he said.

“If the ball gets to start reverse swing that Mitchell Starc can put a major threat for the batters,” he added.

Cummins further stated about his side’s preparation for the Karachi Test and said they are ready for the contest and looking forward to continuing their ‘pretty satisfactory’ performance from Pindi.

READ: ‘Haven’t seen Swepson playing yet, will try to plan against him’ Babar

‘Haven’t seen Swepson playing yet, will try to plan against him’ Babar

KARACHI: Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam said that he has not watched Mitchell Swepson playing as of yet and will try to plan against him, here on Friday.

Babar while talking to a virtual presser ahead of the second Test of the ongoing series, has acknowledged that he has not watched Swepson bowl and will look to plan against him.

“We never saw Swepson bowling but will try to plan against him,” he said.

“We will try to make plans against the leg-spinner by watching the videos of him bowling,” he added.

The young leg-spinner Swepson will make his international debut against Pakistan tomorrow in the second Test of the ongoing Benaud-Qadir Trophy, Australian Test captain Pat Cummins also confirmed.

Babar claimed he is familiar with the conditions and pitch offered at the National Stadium Karachi (NSK) and termed it ‘spin-friendly.’ He further stated that the playing XI will be finalized tomorrow.

“We had a look at the pitch yesterday and planned things initially. We will again have a look today and will finalise our playing XI for tomorrow,” he said.

“We are well aware of the spin-friendly nature of the NSK pitch and are determined of giving tough time to our opposition,” he added.

In response to a question about preparing a favourable pitch in Pindi due to the Australian team’s pressure, Babar stated that their team is strong enough and capable of defeating the Aussies.

“We are not afraid of the Australian team. Every home team makes the most of their home conditions, so did we,” he responded.

Babar further heaped praises on the team’s performance in the Pindi Test, said both batters and bowlers performed really well.

READ: Women’s WC: South Africa edge past Pakistan in a thriller by six runs

Faheem recovers from COVID-19, set to rejoin the squad for Karachi Test

KARACHI: Pakistan’s fast bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf has recovered from COVID-19 and will rejoin the squad for the team’s scheduled practice session tomorrow ahead of the second Test of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, here on Thursday.

As per the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Faheem, who, previously contracted the virus, has returned negative in his repeat Rapid Antigen Test on Thursday.

The all-rounder will now rejoin the squad in the training session tomorrow for the Karachi Test.

It is pertinent to mention here that both teams – Pakistan and Australia – held practice sessions here at National Stadium Karachi. Captains and coaches had a look at the pitch here before the second Test, which will roll into action on March 12.

READ: ICC rates Rawalpindi Test’s pitch as ‘below average’

‘Australia also benefit from their conditions’ Yousuf defends Pindi pitch

KARACHI: Pakistan’s batting consultant Mohammad Yousuf has come into the defence of the slow pitch of the Pindi Stadium for the first Test between Pakistan and Australia.

Yousuf, while talking to the media here ahead of the second Test between the two sides, said Australians also benefit from their conditions.

“I was happy to see Pakistan batting in Rawalpindi Test. Australia also benefit from their conditions,” he said.

The batting consultant further shared his views on the slow nature of the pitch and claimed the insufficient sunlight affected the pitch.

“Pindi’s wicket was acting strangely since it didn’t get enough sunshine. This was also due to using a heavy roll on the wicket,” he opined.

“However, I am hopeful that Karachi’s wicket will be able to produce a result,” he added.

Yousuf then also praised the top-performers with the bat for Pakistan Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, and Abdullah Shafique, also termed the latter as the next big thing.

“Azhar, Imam, and Abdullah played brilliantly. Abdullah’s future is bright,” he said.

Yousuf then went on to express his desire for the players to perform well in the away matches as well.

READ: Pakistan javelin-thrower Arshad flies to South Africa for training

‘Could not take part in PSL due to international cricket’ Warner

KARACHI: Australia’s left-handed opener David Warner has revealed that he does not take part in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) due to Australia’s international matches, here on Thursday.

Warner, while talking to the virtual press conference, has revealed the reason behind him not participating in the marquee event of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“We are often playing international cricket during the window of the PSL. That is the reason why I could not take part in the tournament,” he said.

Warner further said that he is enjoying his time in Pakistan and thinks that entertainment is a must to keep entertaining the crowd.

“I think entertainment is a must. I try to make cricket fans enjoy being on the ground,” he said.

Warner further appreciated the support from the Pakistan cricket fans and said they are very passionate and cricket-loving people.

“My fans follow me on Instagram and also come to the ground for support. The amount of support we have received in Pindi is unbelievable and I think these people are very passionate and love cricket so much,” he said.

The left-handed opener then went on to opine about the Karachi Test and the playing conditions on offer said it is a bit strange for us.

“Karachi’s wicket is a bit strange to us. Playing on the wicket here will also be a challenge,” he said.

“We will analyze the pitch during the practice session,” he added.

The left-handed opener however is determined to perform well in the Karachi Test. He also thanked the PCB, Cricket Australia (CA), and Pakistan’s law-enforcement agencies for making this tour a success.

READ: ‘We are open to host Pakistan, India in a tri-series’ Nick Hockley

COVID-19 rules Faheem Ashraf out of Karachi Test

KARACHI: Pakistan’s fast bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf has been ruled out of the Karachi Test of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, following his contraction to the widely spread virus.

Faheem, who missed the first Test of the ongoing historic series between Pakistan and Australia due to an injury has now been ruled out of the second Test as the fast-bowling all-rounder has tested positive for COVID-19 on his on-arrival test at the team hotel.

The all-rounder is now due to undergo a mandatory isolation period of five days and will miss the Karachi Test.

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Faheem’s replacement will be announced in due case if needed.

It is pertinent to mention here that the first Test of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy in Rawalpindi, ended as a draw, while the Karachi Test will be played from March 12 to March at National Stadium.

READ: PAK vs AUS: Players to reach Karachi tomorrow for the second Test