Pakistan vs Australia: Shoaib Akhtar expects the hosts to get the job done in Dubai Test

He was among those several Pakistani fans who were hurt by his country’s pathetic display in the recently held Asia Cup. Getting thrashed twice by arch-rivals India and failing to qualify for the final, it was a new low for Pakistan cricket in September and the former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar criticised them for their poor show.

October, however, has been good for Sarfraz Ahmed and his men and Akhtar was back to his happy self after Pakistan gained an upper edge over Australia in the ongoing first of the two-match series the two teams are currently playing in the United Arab Emirates.

Pakistan floor Australia in first innings

Debutant off-break bowler Bilal Asif grabbed six wickets on Day three of the first Test in Dubai to floor the Aussies who were bowled out for just 202 in reply to Pakistan’s first innings score of 482, conceding a lead of 280 runs. Sarfraz Ahmed’s side, however, did not ask for a follow-on ended the day on 45 for 3 in their second innings, gaining an overall lead of 325 runs.

Akhtar tweeted to express his happy mind and said a victory in Dubai will see a U-turn to the situation that Pakistan have found them in. He was hopeful that the Asians will be able to clinch the game comfortably with two days still to play.

Australia started the day from their overnight score of 30 for no loss and their openers Usman Khawaja (85) and Aaron Finch (62) added 142 runs for the first wicket. But the Baggy Greens failed to build on the platform and lost their entire side for just 60 runs once the opening partnership was broken. Right-arm medium-fast bowler Mohammad Abbas was the only other Pakistani bowler to take wickets (four).

The Pakistani side came under heavy criticism from their former greats and fans for their insipid performance in Asia Cup. It was even said that their victory in the final of the Champions Trophy last year was a fluke. For Sarfraz’s men, the stakes were high to regain the faith of their followers and they have done a good job so far.

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