Australia secured a dominant victory over Pakistan in the first Test at Perth's Optus Stadium, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-game series. Setting a massive target of 450 runs, Australia declared at 233/5 in the morning session of day four. Mitchell Marsh's quickfire half-century and Usman Khawaja's 90 were instrumental. Pakistan's response crumbled as they were bowled out for just 89 in 30.2 overs. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood took three wickets each. Nathan Lyon achieved a significant milestone, claiming his 500th Test wicket, becoming the third Australian bowler to reach this mark after Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath. Lyon dismissed Faheem Ashraf via lbw, contributing to Australia's comprehensive victory by 360 runs. This win disrupted Pakistan's perfect record in the World Test Championship, dropping them to number two, while Australia climbed to the fourth spot. The second Test is scheduled for Boxing Day at the MCG. Mitchell Marsh was named Player of the Match for his impactful contributions with both bat and ball.
Key Points:
1. Australia defeated Pakistan by 360 runs in the first Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-game series.
2. Nathan Lyon, the veteran off-spinner, joined the 500 Test wickets club during Pakistan's second innings, becoming the third Australian bowler after Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath to achieve this milestone.
3. Australia set Pakistan a massive target of 450 runs, declaring at 233/5 in their second innings, with Mitchell Marsh contributing a quickfire half-century.
4. Usman Khawaja scored 90 before being dismissed, signaling the declaration for Australia. Captain Pat Cummins led the team to a commanding position.
5. In Pakistan's second innings, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood made early breakthroughs, reducing the visitors to 89 all out in 30.2 overs.
6. Lyon claimed his 500th Test wicket by dismissing Faheem Ashraf via lbw on review, sparking jubilant scenes among the team and spectators.
7. Josh Hazlewood dismissed the last two batters in the same over, securing a clinical victory for Australia in the first Test.
8. Mitchell Marsh was adjudged the Player of the Match for his contributions with the bat and crucial wicket of Babar Azam in the first innings.
9. Pakistan's loss in the Test resulted in them dropping to number two on the World Test Championship 2023-2025 table, losing their perfect record.
10. The second Test between Australia and Pakistan is scheduled to begin on December 26, the Boxing Day, at the MCG.
(With Agency Inputs)
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