Aussies claim historic Test win over Pakistan

Lahore – Australia claimed a historic victory against Pakistan yesterday, taking the three-Test series 1-0 with a 115run win on the fifth day of the last match in Lahore.

Australia are in Pakistan for the first time since 1998, having previously refused to tour over security fears.

Jubilant crowds of Pakistani cricket lovers have flocked to stadiums in Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore throughout the series in full support of both Pakistan and Australia, undeterred by the presence of heavy security.

The victory gives Australia the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, named after former Australian skipper Richie Benaud and Pakistan leg-spinner Abdul Qadir.

Spin king Nathan Lyon finished with 5/83 – his 19th five wicket haul – and was ably supported by skipper Pat Cummins (3/23) as Pakistan, set a challenging target of 351, were bowled out for 235 in the last session on the fifth and final day.

Opener Imam-ul-Haq with 70 and skipper Babar Azam on 55 defied the Australian attack but Pakistan lost their last five wickets for just 22 runs.

The first two Tests ended in draws, the latest after a bold declaration by Cummins on Thursday.

Befittingly, Cummins bowled Naseem Shah for one to wrap up Pakistan’s innings an hour after tea to spark celebrations among his team-mates.

“We didn’t really know what to expect but it’s been an amazing experience. The whole spirit has been fantastic. It’s been even more important than just the result,” said Cummins, whose team took the Ashes 4-0 in January.

Pakistan were in with a chance of drawing the Test at lunch with the score on 136/2 with 57 overs left, but Lyon took advantage of a weary fifth day Gaddafi Stadium pitch which offered good spin.

Cummins and Lyon sent three of Pakistan’s middle-order batsmen back to the pavilion for the addition of only 25 runs during the second session, turning the series-deciding Test on its head.

Azam and Sajid Khan shared a 46-run stand for the sixth wicket to delay the inevitable as they cracked four boundaries off the second new ball taken at 191/5.

But Lyon dismissed Azam caught in the slip off a sharp turner to nearly seal the match before Starc dismissed Sajid for 21. –