Australia escaped with a draw thanks to Usman Khawaja and Tim Paine’s batting heroics in the first Test against Pakistan in Dubai.
Set a target of 462 to chase in the fourth innings, Australia batting revolved around the doggedness of Usman Khawaja who scored 141 runs in 524 minutes with 11 fours.
Travis Head contributed 72 with over a hundred runs partnership with Khawaja. After Khawaja was dismissed, skipper Tim Paine played a brilliant knock of 61* in 194 balls and 219 minutes, negotiating the spin of Yasir Shah and Bilal Asif.
For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas picked 3 wickets and Yasir Shah picked 4 wickets, but couldn’t manage to dislodge the last two wickets as Australia batted out for a draw in 139.5 overs.
Twitter was amazed at the resilience of Khawaja, Paine and Head and tweeted their appreciation for them.
Here are some tweets:
Oh congrats ‘Young Aussies’ there in #Dubai ???? Usman K did an Allan Border... gritty determined display... well done Ockers!! ???????????? #gutsy #team @TheRealPCB @CricketAustrala #rockon2ndtest ????
— Danny Morrison (@SteelyDan66) 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
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
Some Draw by the Aussies .... !! #PakVAus
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 11, 2018
Great fight Lads! @Uz_Khawaja and @tdpaine36 outstanding
— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) 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
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
Bloody great fight Australia. @Uz_Khawaja absolutely brilliant. https://t.co/80PfOwAahp
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) 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
Well batted Uzi! Trav!#PakVAus
— Jason Gillespie ???????? (@dizzy259) October 11, 2018
Brilliant. Worth staying up for. Great fight Australia
— Shaun Tait (@shaun_tait32) October 11, 2018
You little beauty Australia!! Amazing fight! @Uz_Khawaja amazing!!#cmonaussie
— Ryan Harris (@r_harris413) October 11, 2018
