Australia has pulled off a sensational draw in the first Test against Pakistan after opening batsman Usman Khawaja scored a patient final-day century.
In one of the most tense climaxes to a Test match in recent times, Usman Khawaja batted 302 balls across the fourth and fifth days of the first Test before skipper Tim Paine (61 not-out off 194 balls) and number 10 Nathan Lyon (five not-out off 34 balls) iced an incredible stalemate.
It once looked like Yasir Shah (4-114) might spin Pakistan to victory as he took advantage of a worn pitch to remove Khawaja for 141 and then tailenders Mitchell Starc (1) and Peter Siddle (0) in the space of eight balls. But Paine and Lyon were up to the task as Australia finished on 362/8 after 139.5 overs.
Australia’s escape in Dubai is a major blow for Pakistan, who declared on the fourth day to leave themselves the best part of five sessions to bowl out their opponents.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
https://twitter.com/MitchJohnson398/status/1050376820980236288
Great performance Usman Khawaja! Top effort by Australian team in very tough situation. This was Test cricket at it's best. Pakistan dominated the Test and should continue with same attitude in Abu Dhabi for 2nd Test. All the best boys. #PAKvAUS
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) October 11, 2018
Great fight Lads! @Uz_Khawaja and @tdpaine36 outstanding
— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) October 11, 2018
What. A. Test. Match! 😍 That is exactly what that was, a true test. Had me on the edge of my seat. Credit to the @cricketcomau boys 🙌🏼🇦🇺 what a comeback. Start of an exciting series 🏆 #PAKvAUS #testisbest #nervesofsteel
— Megan Schutt (@megan_schutt) October 11, 2018
What a great show of resilience from Australia and in particular @Uz_Khawaja. This new Australian team walk away better off for this experience. #PakvAus
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) October 11, 2018
His fourth-innings century was the anchor of Australia's heroic escape – @Uz_Khawaja is the Player of the Match! 👏 #PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/ibsPKtf6t6
— ICC (@ICC) October 11, 2018
You little beauty Australia!! Amazing fight! @Uz_Khawaja amazing!!#cmonaussie
— Ryan Harris (@r_harris413) October 11, 2018
Test match cricket at its best!!#AUSvPAK 👌🏽👏🏽
— Shikha Pandey (@shikhashauny) October 11, 2018
A really wonderful effort from Australia to draw the test match. Khawaja was outstanding and Paine in the end was very gritty. Batting out 140 overs to draw is really admirable #AUSvPAK
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) October 11, 2018
Some Draw by the Aussies …. !! #PakVAus
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/shaun_tait32/status/1050376501881798656
If ever a draw was as good as a win. Monumental effort from the Aussies, Pakistan was brilliant but couldn't close the game after dominating most parts of it #PAKvAUS
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) October 11, 2018
What a match! Hard luck team Pakistan. Wonderful fight back from @CAComms
Better luck next time team Pakistan. @TheRealPCB #PAKvAUS #Cricket— Junaid khan 83 (@JunaidkhanREAL) October 11, 2018
Tremendous match saving innings by Usman Khawaja – Tim Paine with showing a lot of resilience as captain,Pakistan will be looking back at this match as a match of missed opportunities.. #PAKvAUS
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) October 11, 2018
After 4 long days in tough conditions, to come out and save the game on Day 5 like that is determination personified. Colossal knock @Uz_Khawaja, @tdpaine36 @travishead34 brilliant support and @NathLyon421 nerves of steel! Series alive. Love these boys!! 👏🏼
— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) October 11, 2018
Tremendous character & resilience shown by this Australian team after what happened in 1st inns. Paine & Lyon brilliant to secure the draw. Thrilling finish from Test ckt 👏🏼 https://t.co/BaKskAHBhR
— Alison Mitchell (@AlisonMitchell) October 11, 2018
Brilliant effort from @Uz_Khawaja, @travishead34 & skipper @tdpaine36 today!
Love the grind. 🇦🇺— Callum Ferguson (@calferguson12) October 11, 2018
Australia survive after batting marathon 139.5 overs, their longest 4th innings in last 47 years! #PakvAus
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) October 11, 2018
This draw says a lot about this group of players. Demonstrated the character that is needed to be successful. Fight, passion and temperament!! #PAKvAUS
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) October 11, 2018
That is a magnificent effort by our boys in the baggy green. Great fighting qualities and Khawaja one of the best tons you will ever see.#cmon
— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) October 11, 2018
