Asad Shafiq scored a thrilling century as Pakistan put up a spirited resistance to Australia yesterday, frustrating the hosts' attempts to wrap up the first Test with a day to spare
Pakistan's Asad Shafiq celebrates his century during Day Four of the day-night Test match against Australia in Brisbane yesterday. Pic/AFP
Pakistan's Asad Shafiq celebrates his century during Day Four of the day-night Test match against Australia in Brisbane yesterday. Pic/AFP
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Brisbane: Asad Shafiq scored a thrilling century as Pakistan put up a spirited resistance to Australia yesterday, frustrating the hosts' attempts to wrap up the first Test with a day to spare.
Shafiq dashed for three runs off a cut shot in the final over of the fourth day to reach his 10th Test century off 140 balls in the day-night match at the Gabba.
The tourists, who have lost their last nine Tests in Australia, refused to buckle despite the loss of key batsmen Younis Khan, Azhar Ali and skipper Misbah-ul-Haq.
At the close on a storm-hit day, with Shafiq leading the way, Pakistan had just two wickets left and were 382 for eight — the highest fourth innings in a Test at the Gabba. They trail the home side by 107 heading into the final day.
"Asad Shafiq was struggling and he came back with a bang. We really enjoyed his innings and the way he batted, it was a really special knock, and also special was how Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz batted. It will help him grow more in confidence going through the series," Azhar Ali told reporters.
Australia are defending an unbeaten run of 27 Tests at the Gabba. Their last defeat here was in 1988 to the West Indies.