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In the first test against Australia, the Pakistani team gets off to a great start

Imamul Haq, Pakistan’s opener, scored his first Test century on Friday in Rawalpindi, guiding his team to a strong start in the series against Australia.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first.

When he returned to the field for the first time since December 2019, Haq stated that he has never scored a century against Australia.

“I wasn’t getting many opportunities in Tests, but I was keeping an eye on the process,” he said. “It’s wonderful to have a challenge like this, against a formidable defence like the Australians.”

Due to security concerns, Australia has not visited Pakistan since 1998. On Friday, at least 56 people were murdered and more than 200 were injured in a suicide attack at a Shia mosque in Peshawar.

On behalf of the Australian national team, interim head coach Andrew McDonald expressed his sympathy. “We’ll be directed by our security people,” he said, “but we’re in really, really good hands.”

Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat, allowing Azhar Ali to score 64 runs unbeaten and contribute 140 runs for the second wicket.

Despite the fact that Australia used eight bowlers, only Nathan Lyon (1-87) took a wicket in 31 overs as Haq and Shafique put on a 105-run opening wicket stand.

During his innings, the adventurous Shafique hit three boundaries and a six.

Pakistan dominated the Australian attack after getting Azhar to the crease, forcing Cummins to rely on part-time spinners Head, Steven Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne.

Imam-Ul-Haq completed his century after smashing pacer Mitchell Starc to the cover boundary following 277 minutes.

The 26-year-old batted for 379 minutes, smashing 15 boundaries and two sixes, bettering his previous high of 76 against the same opponents in Dubai in October 2018.

Haq’s 12,000 supporters congratulated him for reaching the millstone in unison.

In Lyon, Australia chose to deploy three pacers, a fast-bowling allrounder, and a single spinner, a move they will come to regret.

McDonald said, “Even spinners had a terrible day.” “It was clear to me that bowlers were having a really bad day.”

According to Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Executive Officer Faisal Hasnain, the opening of the first Test is a significant occasion in Pakistani cricket history that sends a powerful statement to the rest of the planet.

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