Nathan Lyon grabbed a 5-wicket pull as Australia fielded Pakistan for 235 in the final innings to seal a 115-run win and seal the series 1-0. Pat Cummins took the last wicket and helped Australia make history on their return to the Asian nation for the first time in 24 years.
Pakistani tactic fails, Australia rushes to historic Test Series victory (APB Pictures)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Pakistan won the 3rd Test in Lahore by 115 runs to seal the series 1-0
- Nathan Lyon shone on Day 5 taking 5 wickets
- Usman Khawaja was the series’ top scorer with 496 runs
Australia’s persistence on their first tour of Pakistan in 24 years paid off on the final day of the Test series as the visiting side sealed the series, winning the final Test by 115 runs. Nathan Lyon emerged as a hero to the tourists, claiming a five-wicket haul on Friday.
Pakistan had produced flat, lifeless fields slammed by the cricket fraternity for the historic series.
The first Test at Rawalpindi produced just 14 wickets and more than 1000 runs over 5 days on a course rated below average by the ICC. Pakistan Cricket Board chief Ramiz Raja even defended the slow nature of the pitch, adding that they did not want to play to the strengths of Pat Cummins’ men.
Our Australian men are the inaugural Benaud Qadir Trophy winners!
An unbelievable series of wins abroad, played in the best of moods #PAKvOFF
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) March 25, 2022
Even after conceding a 408-run lead, Pakistan was able to pull the 2nd Test and struggle for more than 4 sessions in Karachi. After Australia chose not to impose a succession, Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan led the rearguard effort as Pakistan earned a struggling draw to frustrate the Australians.
However, Pakistan failed to secure a tie in Lahore, chasing 351 after a brave statement from Australia on 227.3. before tea on Day 4. Lyon finished on numbers of 5/83, including the key wicket from Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who hit over his fifty in the final session.
Captain Pat Cummins, acting resolutely despite long, hot days on the pitch in recent weeks, took 3 wickets including the last wicket as Australia made history.
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