Pakistan's 'A' did what the senior team has been unable to do in its ongoing series against Australia, handing Michael Clarke's men a shock 153-run win in the four-day warm up match in Sharjah on Saturday.

Pakistan have thus far lost all the limited overs contests, one T20 and three ODIs, in its current series against the Aussies, and the defeat will likely give Misbah-ul-Haq and the senior team a lot of heart going into Wednesday's first Test.

Chasing 339 to win, Australia were bowled out before tea for 185 in their second innings off 51.3 overs with Raza Hasan and Mohammad Talha both staking a claim for a Test spot by picking up three wickets each in the second innings.

Earlier, Babar Azam and Haris Sohail ensured selection headaches for Pakistan with both batsmen scoring solid centuries to set Australia an imposing target.

Asad Shafiq, who also scored a century in the first innings, and Ahmed Shehzad were the other bright spots for Pakistan in the warm-up match.

Meanwhile, Clarke, who is recovering from a hamstring injury and needed some batting practice ahead of first Test, managed just five off as many balls before he was bowled by left-arm paceman Rahat Ali.

Clarke made just ten in the first innings.

Ali (2-36), likely to spearhead Pakistan's pace attack in the first Test with Talha, was also impressive.

The second Test will start in Abu Dhabi from October 30.

Brief scores: Pakistan 'A' 305-8 dec (Asad Shafiq 108 not out; S. O'Keefe 3-76) and 306-3 declared (Babar Azam 114 not out, Haris Sohail 103 not out; N. Lyon 2-49)

Australia 273-8 dec (A. Doolan 104, S. Smith 58) and Australia 185 all out (P. Hughes 65, P. Siddle 41, M. Marsh 35 ; Mohammad Talha 3-32; Raza Hasan 3-60)

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...