Asif wrecks Aussie batting

– Test debutant Bilal Asif (above) grabbed 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 yesterday.

The off-spinner, 33, overshadowed his more experienced teammate 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 (4), 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 at a crucial stage.

The second and final Test starts in Abu Dhabi from October 16. Both teams will also play three Twenty20 internationals after the Tests. –