Australia's first Test in Pakistan in 24 years ends in draw

Published
27
Players of Pakistan's and Australia's leave the ground after a draw in the first Test match between Pakistan and Australia at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. — AFP
Players of Pakistan's and Australia's leave the ground after a draw in the first Test match between Pakistan and Australia at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. — AFP
Pakistan's Abdullah Shafique (L) and teammate Pakistan's Imamul Haq touch their bats during the fifth day of the first Test cricket match between Pakistan and Australia at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. — AFP
Pakistan's Abdullah Shafique (L) and teammate Pakistan's Imamul Haq touch their bats during the fifth day of the first Test cricket match between Pakistan and Australia at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. — AFP
Pakistan's Nauman Ali (C) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Australia's Pat Cummins during the 5th day of the first Test match between Pakistan and Australia at the Pindi Stadium on Tuesday. — AP
Pakistan's Nauman Ali (C) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Australia's Pat Cummins during the 5th day of the first Test match between Pakistan and Australia at the Pindi Stadium on Tuesday. — AP

Australia's first Test in Pakistan for nearly a quarter of a century ended in a draw on Tuesday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Opting to bat on run-filled surface, Pakistan had made 476-4 before declaring their first innings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

By the time they bowled out Australia for 459 on the final day, the chances of any team winning the contest had evaporated.

Pakistan decided to bat on allowing Imamul Haq, who went into the match without a century in his previous 11 Tests, to score his second hundred of the contest.

The bespectacled left-hander's unbeaten 111 included seven boundaries and two sixes. Imam went on to win the man-of-the-match award.

His opening partner Abdullah Shafique, who made 136 not out, also brought up his maiden Test century as Pakistan posted 252 for no loss in their second innings before the teams shook hands and left.

A total of 1,187 runs were scored over five days and only 14 wickets fell in what Australia's Steve Smith called a “pretty benign, dead wicket” which risks censure from the game's governing body.

With draw looming as the only possible result, Australia captain Pat Cummins shielded his frontline quicks and used as many as nine bowlers in Pakistan's second innings.

Earlier, after the tourists began the final day on 449-7, Pakistan took 11 deliveries to claim the last three Australian wickets.

Nauman Ali dismissed Cummins for eight, and both Mitchell Starc and Lyon fell lbw as Australia finished 17 runs behind Pakistan's first innings total.

Each of Australia's top four batsmen crossed the 50-mark but could not convert them into hundreds and the tourists lost their last six wickets for 52 runs.

Left-arm spinner Nauman claimed a career-best 6-107 on a flat track where bowlers struggled for success.

When Pakistan came out to bat for the second time in the match, Cummins saw no point in straining his pace attack on the unresponsive track.

On Tuesday the pace trio of Cummins, Starc and Josh Hazlewood bowled a combined 16 out of their 77 overs.

Opinion

Editorial

Referendum talk
Updated 14 Nov, 2026

Referendum talk

Unless the PPP is deliberately using Sindh as a bargaining chip, it should issue a clarification with a clear, consistent position on new administrative units, not one tailored to protect its home turf.
Mineral wealth
Updated 14 Nov, 2026

Mineral wealth

Minerals should not be presented as a solution to Pakistan’s long-term economic difficulties. The aim should be to build an industrial base rather than export raw materials.
Late diagnosis
14 Nov, 2026

Late diagnosis

AS we mark World Diabetes Day today, Pakistan faces a troubling question: how many people are living with diabetes...
Climate challenges
Updated 13 Nov, 2026

Climate challenges

Pakistan cannot afford to confront its climate crises one disaster, one season and one international summit at a time.
Under fire
Updated 13 Nov, 2026

Under fire

KP police are increasingly vulnerable as they play a frontline role in ongoing operations against terrorists.
Used car imports
13 Nov, 2026

Used car imports

THE government’s effort to restrict used car imports appears to be faltering. So suggest the numbers. Despite...