At the enthralling start of the Melbourne Test between Australia and Pakistan, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, showcased a determined effort, limiting the hosts to 187-3 on a rain-disrupted first day.
Choosing to bowl first on a pitch favoring seam movement, Pakistan’s skipper, Shan Masood, found success through his bowlers. They made early breakthroughs, troubling the Australian batting lineup.
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Key dismissals included David Warner for 38, Usman Khawaja for 42, and a crucial breakthrough, Steve Smith, ending a resilient 147-ball partnership.
Warner fell to a risky shot against part-time spinner Agha Salman, while Hasan Ali’s comeback saw him induce an edge from Khawaja, neatly held in the slips.
In a press interaction post-match, Hasan Ali dismissed rumors about bowlers’ reduced pace, asserting his focus on accurate bowling rather than speed. He emphasized the team’s concentration solely on the game and its progress, disregarding external talk about pace.
Expressing confidence in the team’s position, Hasan highlighted their disciplined bowling, preventing leaks in runs. However, he remained cautious, acknowledging that the job wasn’t finished yet, and stressed the importance of restricting Australia to under 250 for a favorable chance of victory.
Rain interruptions disrupted the day’s play, limiting the action to 66 overs due to nearly three hours lost. Despite the interruptions, the match remains finely poised, setting the stage for both teams to exert their influence as the pivotal match progresses in the series.
