All-rounder Nawaz was the star on the final day; his 36-run knock and three-wicket haul allowed Pakistan to dominate their Australian counterparts. PHOTO COURTESY: CA
After setting a target of 311 runs, the tourists dismissed CA XI for 109 runs on the final day of the three-day game. Pakistan will now travel to Brisbane where they will meet Australia in the first of three-Test series from December 15.
All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz was the star on the final day as his 36-run knock and three-wicket haul allowed Pakistan to completely dominate their Australian counterparts.
Pakistan resumed the day on 124-5 and declared the innings on 216-6 having found it difficult to score runs with the pink ball and Azhar Ali, Pakistan’s top-scorer in the second innings with his unbeaten 82-run knock, said the players will take time to adjust to the new ball’s variations on Australian pitches.
Pakistan start Australia tour with victory against CA XI
“Playing with the pink ball is different in Australia than what we experienced in the UAE,” said Azhar after the game. “The batsmen need time to get used to the conditions. I am satisfied that I had a good time in the middle.”
Chasing 311 runs, CA XI were not given any room to breathe by the Pakistani bowlers with Nawaz being their chief tormentor claiming three wickets for just 31 runs.
Mohammad Amir and Rahat Ali claimed a brace of wickets apiece, while Wahab Riaz and Azhar were also among the wickets as CA XI were skittled out for 109 runs from 27.3 overs.
Dismal batting takes shine off bowlers’ efforts
‘Tour-match win a good sign’
Pakistan Cricket Board selector Tauseef Ahmed termed the win over CA XI a good omen ahead of the three-match Test series.
“Pakistan needed the victory as it will give them a lot of confidence,” Tauseef told The Express Tribune before adding that the team will have to show a better display with the bat if they are to overcome the challenge from the Australians.
“This series is going to be tough, especially for the batsmen. Pakistan’s batmen struggled in the first innings; Azhar certainly did well in the second innings but overall our batting needs to improve drastically.”
Amir lights up day one with three quick wickets
Tauseef hoped that the senior batsmen do their job and lead the way for the younger ones to follow. “Definitely, our experienced batsmen have greater responsibility in the series. Misbah and Younus’ [Khan] performances will define how the team performs.”
The selector, meanwhile, praised the fast-bowlers for their impressive displays in the tour match and reserved special praise for Nawaz.
“Our fast-bowlers did well and we expect them to carry the momentum into the Test series. Nawaz has impressed in the second innings and has showed that he can be a potential all-rounder in the Test squad,” he concluded.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 11th, 2016.
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