450-Run Target
Australia has set a challenging 450-run target for Pakistan in the first Test match at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The home side, looking to secure another commanding Test victory, declared their innings at 271 after Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Usman Khawaja for 90.
Resuming at 84-2 on the fourth day, Australia battled to 186-4 by lunch, with a likely declaration on the horizon. Khawaja and Mitchell Marsh formed a crucial 100-run partnership at the end of the 61st over.
Australia's lead ticks over 400 as lunch is called in Perth 🥘#WTC25 | #AUSvPAK 📝 https://t.co/2kgDWgIfSy pic.twitter.com/IhWPjYlOPt
— ICC (@ICC) December 17, 2023
While Khawaja started on 34 and Steve Smith on 43, Pakistan’s pace bowlers posed challenges on a deteriorating pitch with visible cracks. Impressive debutant Khurram Shahzad secured a breakthrough by trapping Smith lbw for 45 in the fourth over of the day. Despite Smith’s review, replays indicated the ball clipping the top of the bails.
Aggressive batsman Travis Head entered the fray, signaling his intent with a straight drive boundary. However, a misjudged drive led to his dismissal for 14, caught by Imam-ul-Haq at cover off Aamer Jamal. Both Marsh and Khawaja survived reviews in an eventful Jamal over as Pakistan increased the pressure.
Khurram Shahzad and Aamir Jamal with the breakthroughs in the first session ⚡
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 17, 2023
Australia lead by 402 runs at lunch 🏏#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/GyFFciizeU
Marsh showcased resilience, hitting sixes off Jamal and spinner Agha Salman to maintain momentum. However, luck favored him when skipper Shan Masood dropped a catch at mid-off when Marsh was on 23.
Khawaja persisted, reaching his 25th Test half-century off 151 balls before accelerating once he crossed the milestone. As Australia declared at 271, they set a formidable 450-run target for Pakistan, who now face a challenging task in their second innings.
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