BILAL SIX-WICKET
DUBAI: Test debutant Bilal Asif snatched six wickets to spark a spectacular Australian collapse from 142-0 to 202 all out and put Pakistan in firm command of the first Test in Dubai on Tuesday.
The 33-year-old off-spinner overshadowed his more experienced team-mate Yasir Shah by finishing with 6-36 as his efforts, the third best figures for a Pakistani bowler on Test debut, derailed Australia on a pitch which started to assist spinners on the third day. Despite being jolted by spinner Jon Holland’s two key wickets of Mohammad Hafeez (17) and Azhar Ali (four), Pakistan closed the day on 45-3, having an overall lead of 325 with seven second-innings wickets intact to force a win.
Opener Imam-ul-haq was unbeaten on 23 while nightwatchman Asif was dismissed for nought, unable to guard Azhar from coming to bat in a crucial stage.
But it was a day highlighted by Asif who triggered a memorable Australian collapse against spin in Asia.
But by lunch Australia were wellplaced at 137 without loss with Usman Khawaja (85) and debutant Aaron Finch (62), but the slump followed shortly after as the Baggy Greens lost all 10 wickets for just 60 runs.
Asif, who had previously played three one-day internationals in 2015, came into his own after pacer Mohammad Abbas removed Finch Pakistan first innings: ...................................... 482 Australia first innings: U Khawaja c Imam b Asif .................................... 85 A Finch c Shafiq b Abbas ..................................... 62 S Marsh c Shafiq b Asif .......................................... 7 M Marsh lbw Abbas ............................................ 12 T Head c Sohail b Asif ............................................. 0 M Labuschagne c Imam b Asif ............................... 0 T Paine c Imam b Asif ............................................. 7 M Starc c Sarfraz b Abbas ....................................... 0 P Siddle b Abbas ................................................. 10 N Lyon c Azhar b Asif .............................................. 6 J Holland (not out) ................................................ 0 Extras (B-6, LB-7) .............................................. 13 Total (all out, 83.3 overs) ............................. 202 following an opening stand of 142.
In a spell of 22 balls, Asif took four wickets as Australia slumped to 180-5 by tea. The second session belonged to Asif, who dismissed Khawaja, Shaun