Pakistan huffed and puffed its way to 240 all out by the end of Day 1 in the first Test of the ongoing series against Australia in Brisbane this Thursday (November 21). The visitors will be disappointed with their total while hosts pleased to have gained ascendency at the Gabba despite losing the toss and having to bowl first. 

It didn't come easy, though, as openers Shan Masood (27) and Azhar Ali (39) got their team through to lunch unscathed in a defiant 75-run stand. Before Pat Cummins (3/60) and Josh Hazlewood (2/46) scalped them eventually to kickstart a dramatic collapse that saw Pakistan suddenly 94/5. The pace duo, joined by off-spinner Nathan Lyon were the chief destroyers in this phase. 

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However, Asad Shafiq (76) played a fine knock and ensured his team doesn't wilt away completely, finding capable lower-order partners in Mohammad Rizwan (37) and Yasir Shah (26) to take Pakistan past 200. 

But just when it looked like things are getting comfortable for once, the team lost a floury of tail-end wickets to left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc (4/52). It was that kind of a vigil with the bat as Pakistan ended with a less than ideal score in the first innings, needing now a strong bowling performance to comeback in the match on Day 2. 

Brief Scores: 

Pakistan - first innings - 240 all out in 86.2 overs (Asad Shafiq 76; Mitchell Starc 4/52) by stumps on Day 1.