DUBAI: The first Test match between Australia and Pakistan ended in draw, grinding out a record-breaking day-five fightback in Dubai led by Usman Khawaja and skipper Tim Paine.
Chasing a world record 462 to win, the tourists survived 140 overs, an unprecedented effort for a draw by Australia in Test match history to finish play on 8-362, with Tim Paine unbeaten on 61 and Nathan Lyon five not out.
Moreover, Australia survived Yasir Shah’s late spin magic to draw the first Test against Pakistan in Dubai on Thursday.
Shah ended opener Usman Khawaja’s fighting innings at 141 and then removed Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle in quick succession to reduce Australia to 333-8, keeping Pakistan´s victory hopes alive till the last over of the final day.
But Nathan Lyon and Tim Paine batted out the crucial last overs to engineer Australia’s escape from defeat.
Australia were set a daunting 462-run target by Pakistan in the second innings.
Pakistan failed to get a single wicket in the first session after Australia resumed at 136-3.
Khawaja took a single to short mid-wicket off to Mohammad Hafeez to complete his century.
Pakistan had expected early wickets after jolting Australia to 136-3 at the close on the fourth day, but nothing worked for skipper Sarfraz Ahmed, who made multiple bowling changes.