Khan celebrates after bringing up his 25th Test century
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Pakistan batsman Younis Khan struck a sensational century to keep Australia at bay on the first day of the first Test in Dubai.
Khan, who has now scored a century against all the Test playing nations, was well supported by fellow batsman Azhar Ali, who scored 53.
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq would have been regretting his decision to bat first early on after opening batsman Mohammad Hafeez was given out lbw off the bowling of Mitchell Johnson for a duck just five balls into the match.
However, for some unknown reason, Hafeez decided to review the decision even though the ball was clearly pitching in line and going on to crash into middle stump. This led to the third umpire upholding the original decision.
Ahmed Shehzad only scored three runs before he was clean bowled by Peter Siddle.
Khan and Ali stabilised the innings with a 108-run partnership, during which both batsmen brought up their half-centuries, before Ali was caught by Alex Doolan at short cover off the bowling of Johnson.
Ali’s solid knock of 53 came off 167 balls and included six boundaries.
Ali hit six boundaries during his cautious knock of 53
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Khan and ul-Haq kept the runs flowing with an 83-run partnership, during which Khan registered his 25th Test century, before he was given out lbw off the bowling of Johnson.
Khan reviewed the decision, but replays showed that the ball was pitching in line and going on to hit the stumps. This led to the third umpire upholding the original decision.
Khan’s superb innings of 106 came off 223 deliveries and included 10 boundaries and a six.
Following Khan’s dismissal, Ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq managed to put together an unbeaten 21-run partnership before stumps was called.
Ul-Haq finished on 34 off 103 balls, which included one boundary, while Shafiq remained undefeated on nine off 36 deliveries, which included one boundary as well.
Johnson was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Siddle claimed one.
Johnson finished with figures of 3-22 off his 20 overs
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Pakistan ended day one on 219/4 and will continue batting tomorrow at 10:00 local time or 06:00 GMT.