DAVID Warner’s Stunning 164 Bolsters Australia’s Performance!

Day 1: Australia 346/5 (Choose to Bat)

David Warner (Aus) - 164(211)
Usman Khawaja (Aus) - 41(98)
Aamer Jamal (Pak) - 2/63

Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth

Australia began the first day of the three-match series against Pakistan with a stellar performance led by David Warner. Pat Cummins, having won the toss, opted to bat on the lush green wicket. Warner, maintaining his exceptional form on home ground, marked his 26th Test century at the Perth Stadium. While Steven Smith and Travis Head made promising starts, they couldn’t capitalize on them. Aamer Jamal emerged as the standout bowler, claiming two crucial wickets—those of Warner and Head.

The Australian batsmen initiated the day with impressive strokes on a lively and fast pitch. Warner displayed aggression against Shaheen Afridi and debutant Khurram Shahzad. The Australian batters received an additional advantage from some lackluster fielding and a missed catch by Abdullah Shafique. Khawaja adopted a patient approach, capitalizing on loose deliveries to punish the Pakistan bowlers. The first session concluded with a remarkable 117-run partnership between Warner and Khawaja, elevating Australia’s performance.

Pakistan commenced the second session with disciplined bowling, reaping rewards by claiming the wickets of Khawaja and Labuschagne. Meanwhile, Warner reached his century during this phase and sustained his dominance over the Pakistan bowlers in tandem with Steven Smith. Warner’s remarkable form was further aided by a dropped catch just before the break, courtesy of Khurram Shahzad. Pakistan closed the session with an improved performance, securing two wickets in their column.

The final session of the day saw contributions from both teams. Pakistan initiated the session by dismissing Smith early on. Head partnered with Warner, aiming to put pressure on the Pakistan bowlers. Their 50-run collaboration was followed by quick dismissals for both. Pakistan attempted to leverage the second new ball, but Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey resisted, accumulating a few boundaries while holding onto their wickets. Australia concluded the day at 346/5, targeting approximately 100 more runs on the following day. Pakistan retains the relatively fresh second new ball, just three overs old. An eventful second day looms ahead, with Pakistan aiming to limit Australia below 400 while Australia eyes a score of at least 450. Until tomorrow!