Abdullah, Azhar build steadily after Australia conclude at 391

LAHORE – March 22 (ONLINE) Young sensation Abdullah Shafique and seasoned Azhar Ali built steady foundation of Pakistan’s reply to Australia’s first innings’ 391 (all-out), with concluding day 2 of the third and last test at 90-1.

Both Abdullah Shafique and Azhar Ali chipped away at Australia’s first innings of 391 after quick Naseem Shah had earlier staged a spectacular fight-back for Pakistan to leave the deciding third Test in the balance.

Pace sensation Naseem Shah earlier rapped the visitors’ first innings at 391 with classic exhibition of ruthless reverse swing. Naseem Shah grabbed 4-58, coupled with Shaheen Shah Afridi’s clinical bowling at top-front and reverse swing at the back end. Shaheen picked up 4 wickets for 79 runs.

For Australia, Usman Khawaja stood firm as always the case during this series, and managed to post 91 against his name. Khawaja yet again fell a prey to ‘nervous nineties’. Other notable performers for Australia with bat were Chris Green 79, Alex Carey 67 and Steve Smith 59.

Pakistan reached stumps on day two at 90 for 1 with in-form Shafique 45 not out and Azhar unbeaten on 30 as the hosts trail by 301 runs. Naseem’s brilliant 4 for 58 from 31 overs marked by reverse swing mastery helped restrict Australia and move this match forward with the series deadlocked after two draws in batting friendly conditions in Rawalpindi and Karachi.