On this day: Pakistan beat Australia after 15 years in test cricket

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PAK Vs AUS 2nd Test 2010
Image Source: Twitter

On this day, 12 years ago in 2010, Pakistan eliminated Australia’s dominance over them and finally managed to beat the mighty Aussies after 15 long years in test cricket.

After facing 13 test loss to Australia, the second test at proved to be a breath of fresh air for the underperformed side in the 2-match test series.

During the fourth day of the second match of the series, Pakistan chased down the target and ended their winless run against Australia.

PAK Vs AUS 2nd Test, Headingley, 2010

Opting to bat, Australia faced a dreary start as the Pakistani bowlers entered the field with full preparation and did their job as per strategies to broke Australia’s batting order’s back and bowled them out for just 88.

The hit duo of Mohammed Amir and Mohammed Asif took 3-3 wickets each. While Umar Gul joined the party after dismissing two Oz batters.

During Pakistan’s first innings, no batter stayed late at the crease but their small contributions helped the side to at least cross the 250 mark, as with a first innings score of 258, Pakistan gained a lead of 170 run over Australia.

The skipper Salman Butt was the top run-getter during the first innings with 45 runs.

In reply, Australia again did what they known for best as they post 359 on board in their second innings, thanks to skipper Ponting’s 66 and Michael Clare’s 77.

Pakistan need 180 runs to win the match 

In the fourth innings, Pakistan needed to score 180 runs to win, and they got off to a terrific start by scoring 137 runs while losing just three wickets. But shortly, Pakistan’s batting order collapsed as they lost four wickets for 40 runs. However, in the end, Mohammad Amir and Umar Gul ultimately led Pakistan across the finish line.

PAK Vs AUS series level by 1-1 

Pakistan’s victory brought the two-match series to a 1-1 tie.

Australia had defeated Pakistan by 150 runs in the first Test of the series. And that loss, Shahid Afridi, declared his retirement from red-ball cricket, and Salman Butt was named the team’s new captain.