Pakistan vs Australia, 2nd Test: Usman Khawaja leads the show
The Australian cricket team ended Day 1 of the second Test versus Pakistan in Karachi on a high note. The Aussies posted 251/3 to keep the momentum with themselves. Australian opener Usman Khawaja smashed an unbeaten 127 to lead the way. Steve Smith chipped in with a productive 72-run knock. For Pakistan, Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf claimed one wicket each.
How did Day 1 pan out?
Aussie openers David Warner and Khawaja added a valiant 82-run stand in 18 overs. Warner departed for 36 before Marnus Labuschagne (0) followed suit shortly thereafter. Labuschagne was run out by Sajid Khan. Aussies rallied back with Smith giving Khawaja a sound company. The two added 159 runs for the third wicket. Smith was dismissed in the second-last over of the day.
Khawaja slams his 11th Test hundred
Khawaja batted for the entire day, showing his prowess with the bat. The southpaw consumed 266 deliveries for his unbeaten 127. The knock was laced with 13 fours and a six. Khawaja has raced to 3,366 runs at an average of 44.88. He slammed his 11th Test hundred. Earlier, the veteran batter had smashed a ninety-plus score in the first Test.
Smith plays a gutsy knock of 78
Smith took his time and defended well. It was a knock of character and sheen. The senior Aussie international chipped in with 78 from 214 balls. He smashed seven fours. Smith, who is awaiting his 28th Test ton, slammed a second successive 70-plus score. He now has 7,934 runs at 60.10. This was his 35th Test half-century.
Pakistan end the day with Smith's wicket
Pakistan got Warner and Labuschagne in quick succession at one stage (91/2) before Khawaja and Smith blunted the hosts. Just when Australia looked liked ending the day by losing just two scalps, Hasan Ali gave Pakistan a crucial breakthrough. Smith was dismissed in the 89th over. Faheem Ashraf pulled off a blinder to help his side gain a massive scalp.
