Abbas’ triple brings Pakistan closer to win over Australia
Aussies require another 326 runs for an improbable victory
DUBAI, Oct 10, (AFP): Hard-working fast bowler Mohammad Abbas took three wickets in seven balls to bring Pakistan closer to victory in the first Test against Australia in Dubai on Wednesday.
The right-arm medium pacer dismissed Aaron Finch (49) and the Marsh brothers – Shaun and Mitchell – for ducks as Australia slumped from 87 without loss to finish the fourth day at 136-3.
At stumps opener Usman Khawaja was batting on a fighting 50 and Travis Head on 34 as the pair had added an invaluable 49 for the unbroken fourth wicket stand to prolong Australia’s resistance on a weary and spinning Dubai stadium pitch.
Pakistan will need seven more wickets while Australia require another 326 runs for an improbable victory to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, with the second Test starting in Abu Dhabi from Oct 16.
Abbas said he was “happy to be among the wickets”.
“I used the crease to bring the ball in and got wickets from those deliveries,” he said.
“We need seven more wickets so, God willing, we will get them and get this win for which we have worked very hard and it will be good to take a lead in the series.”
It was an action replay of the first innings as Australian openers put on 87 – they made 142 in their total of 202 on Tuesday – as Finch was trapped leg-before soon after tea with a sharp incoming delivery from Abbas.
Finch, who took an unsuccessful