Pakistan’s first home Test against Australia in almost a quarter of a century seemed headed for a dull draw on Tuesday, with the hosts leading by 76 runs before lunch.
In Rawalpindi, Imam-ul-Haq was undefeated on 40 and fellow opener Abdullah Shafique was unbeaten on 33 after Australia were bowled for 459 in their first innings.
Pakistan, who are presently ahead by 93 runs, declared their first innings at 476-4.
Australia is touring Pakistan for the first time since 1998, having previously declined to go due to security concerns.
There are, however, no chances of a win because the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium’s surface hasn’t helped the bowlers from the start of the match.
Nauman Ali bowled a nagging line and length early Tuesday to sweep up the Australian tail and end with career-best figures of 6-107 in 38.1 overs, his third five-wicket haul in eight Tests.
His contribution allowed Pakistan to take the last three wickets for only ten runs after Australia began on 449-7.
Nauman, whose previous best was 5-35 against South Africa in Karachi last year, bowled Australian captain Pat Cummins for eight and Nathan Lyon for three in short succession.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, a left-arm pacer, dismissed Mitchell Starc to end with stats of 2–88 in 30 overs.
The second test will be held in Karachi from March 12–16, while the third will be held in Lahore from March 21–25.
