Pakistan defeated England in Dubai
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Pakistan shocked the cricketing world as they defeated England, the top Test team, in the first Test at Dubai.
England, winning the toss, decided to bat, but it turned out to be the wrong decision as they slumped to 94 runs for the loss of seven wickets.
England Captain, Andrew Strauss, who was less than impressed, said: “Losing five in the first session put us on the backfoot.”
England wicketkeeper Matt prior then stepped to the crease and got things back on track with a sensibly played knock of 70 before England were dismissed for 192.
Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal was the bowler on fire as he took an incredible seven wickets, while giving away only 55 runs.
Ajmal, who was Man of the Match, said: “Very happy day for me. No turn on the first day. Looking forward to the next time.”
Pakistan replied in supreme fashion, making 338 runs, with both openers making half centuries, Mohammad Hafeez with 88 and Taufeeq Umar making 58, en route to a 114 run opening partnership.
Pakistan were further bolstered by solid performances from Captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who made 52 and wicketkeeper Adnan Akmal adding 61.
In their second inning, England once again collapsed against an organised and well maintained Pakistan bowling attack, making only 160 runs, with Jonathan Trott’s 49 being the top score.
Pakistan’s fast bowler, Umar Gul, was the pick of the bowlers’ this time, claiming four wickets for 63 runs, however he was well supported by Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman, who both took three wickets.
With England being all out for 160, Pakistan only needed 15 runs to win the test match. Mohammad Hafeez scored all the runs needed, thus giving Pakistan the ten wicket win.
Pakistan Captain Misbah-ul-haq said: “We didn’t expect it to be so easy for us. Ajmal put us on the path to victory. Rehman and Hafeez are contributing very well.”
Captain Strauss, however, saw the need for the top test side to improve their game. “I thought our bowlers did well but our batsmen can do a lot better. Our preparation has been pretty good otherwise” he said.
With this victory Pakistan go 1-0 up in the three test series, with the next test due to be played at Abu Dhabi on the 25th of January.