Usman Khawaja plays one of the greatest fourth innings knocks
Australia's opening batsman Usman Khawaja was the star of the show in the first Test against Pakistan, which concluded yesterday in Dubai. Khawaja stopped Pakistan from making inroads and handed his side an 'improbable' draw. The southpaw batted for eight hours and 44 minutes in the second innings and skipper Tim Paine hailed his painstaking rearguard. Here's more.
Usman thrives in one of the greatest Test innings
Khawaja, who struck a solid 85 in the first innings, played one of the greatest second innings knock (141). He took his time to foil the Pakistani charge and consumed 302 deliveries to help his side bat long. In his post-match conference, Paine heaped praise on Khawaja. "I am really proud of Usman, too, on one of the great Test innings," said Paine.
Khawaja helps Aussies score highest 4th innings score in Asia
Khawaja made sure that Australia achieved their highest 4th innings score ever on Asia soil (362/8). The left-handed batsman added the match-defining partnership with Travis Head (72) to get Australia to a position of comfort. It was then left to Tim Paine (61*) to thwart Pakistan's advances in the closing stages. For Australia, this performance will feel like a victory.
Aussies notch a record total
Khawaja battles past previous poor outings in Asia
Coming into this Test match in the UAE, Khawaja averaged just 14.62 in Asia in his previous nine innings. The talented southpaw had managed to occupy the crease for just 295 balls in those nine outings. Now Khawaja changed the scenario completely. He faced a total of 477 deliveries against Pakistan in these two innings. The opener showed immense maturity to salvage a draw.
