Nathan Lyon delivered a masterclass in spin bowling as Australia dominated Pakistan in the first Test of their three-match series. The 35-year-old claimed 6 wickets for 49 runs in the first innings at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi, helping Australia bowl Pakistan out for 202. In reply, Australia reached 167-2 at stumps on day one, with Usman Khawaja scoring an unbeaten 81. Lyon’s exceptional performance came on a pitch expected to favour spinners, with the match marking Pakistan’s first Test in Karachi since 2009. The home side’s top scorer was Mohammad Rizwan, who made 61 before edging a catch to Alex Carey behind the stumps.
Lyon's Masterclass Secures Australia's Victory in First Test
Australia secured a commanding 380-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test, with Nathan Lyon delivering a masterclass in spin bowling. Lyon claimed six wickets for 66 runs in the second innings, adding to his three-wicket haul from the first innings. His 9/106 in the match marked his fifth five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
Lyon’s exceptional performance came after Australia posted a formidable 589 runs in their first innings, declaring on day two. Pakistan, in response, managed 246 runs in their first innings, with Lyon taking three crucial wickets. Despite a resilient fightback in the second innings, Pakistan fell short, scoring 343 runs before being bowled out.
Australia’s victory was built on a strong batting foundation, with Marnus Labuschagne scoring a century in the first innings. The win gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. Lyon’s outstanding bowling performance has set the tone for the series, with the second Test scheduled to begin next week.
The Australian captain, Pat Cummins, praised Lyon’s performance, stating, “Nathan was outstanding. His control and accuracy were exceptional, and he fully deserved his man of the match award.” Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam, acknowledged the defeat but remained optimistic about the upcoming match.
Australia Dominates Pakistan with Lyon's Record-Breaking Performance
Nathan Lyon delivered a record-breaking performance as Australia dominated Pakistan in the first Test at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi. Lyon claimed 7 for 48 in Pakistan’s second innings, his best figures in Asia, as Australia secured a commanding 319-run victory. The off-spinner’s haul included the wickets of key Pakistani batsmen, including captain Babar Azam and vice-captain Mohammad Rizwan.
Australia’s victory was built on a strong foundation laid by their batsmen in the first innings. Opener Usman Khawaja top-scored with 131 runs, while Steve Smith contributed a crucial 81. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the Australian batsmen, who posted a competitive total of 391.
In response, Pakistan managed 281 in their first innings, with Azhar Ali’s 75 being their highest score. Australia then declared their second innings at 264 for 7, setting Pakistan a daunting target of 375. The hosts could only manage 236 in their second innings, with Lyon’s spin proving too much for their batsmen.
Lyon’s performance earned praise from his captain, Pat Cummins. “Nathan was outstanding today,” Cummins said post-match. “His ability to extract turn and bounce from this pitch was incredible. He’s been a world-class performer for us for a long time now.” The victory gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Spin King Lyon Leads Australia to Commanding First Test Win
Nathan Lyon spun a web around Pakistan’s batsmen, claiming six wickets as Australia secured a commanding 334-run victory in the first Test at the National Bank Cricket Arena. The off-spinner’s masterclass saw him finish with figures of 6/46, his 29th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
Lyon’s spell began after Pakistan resumed their second innings on 12/1, chasing an imposing target of 442. He struck early, removing Imam-ul-Haq for 12 and then dismissed Azhar Ali for 4. His relentless accuracy and subtle variations made life difficult for the Pakistani batsmen.
The 35-year-old continued his dominance in the second session, removing Babar Azam for 30 and then trapping Mohammad Rizwan lbw for 14. His sixth wicket, that of Faheem Ashraf, sealed Australia’s victory and gave him his best figures against Pakistan in Test cricket.
Australia captain Pat Cummins praised Lyon’s performance, stating, “Nathan was outstanding today. He’s been a world-class bowler for a long time now, and today was another example of that.” The win gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the second Test scheduled to start on 16 March in Karachi.
Pakistan Struggles as Lyon Spins Australia to Victory
Nathan Lyon spun Australia to a commanding position against Pakistan in the first Test at the National Stadium in Karachi. The off-spinner claimed six wickets for 46 runs in Pakistan’s second innings, dismissing the hosts for 169. Australia enforced the follow-on, leading by 328 runs with eight wickets in hand.
Lyon’s masterclass began on day three, removing Pakistan’s top order. He trapped Imam-ul-Haq lbw for 21, then bowled Azhar Ali for a duck. Pakistan’s middle order offered resistance, but Lyon struck again, removing Babar Azam for 30 and Mohammad Rizwan for 24. Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, praised Lyon’s performance.
“Nathan’s been outstanding,” Cummins said at the post-day press conference. “He’s given us the control we needed in these conditions. It’s a great effort from him and the rest of the bowlers.” Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, acknowledged Lyon’s impact.
“We struggled against Lyon,” Babar said. “He’s a world-class bowler, and he’s shown that again today.” Australia resumed their second innings on day four, trailing by 328 runs with two wickets in hand. The visitors aim to extend their lead and force a result in the first Test.
Australia's Lyon Shines in Dominant First Test Display
Nathan Lyon produced a masterclass in spin bowling as Australia dominated Pakistan in the first Test at the Gabba. The veteran off-spinner claimed six wickets for 46 runs in Pakistan’s first innings, helping Australia bowl out their opponents for 240.
Lyon’s spell included a crucial period where he took three wickets in six balls, dismantling Pakistan’s middle order. His victims included captain Babar Azam, who edged a delivery to slip for 48. Lyon’s performance was a stark contrast to Pakistan’s struggles on a turning pitch.
Australia’s top order then capitalised on the strong position, with David Warner and Usman Khawaja putting on a century partnership. Warner reached his half-century before lunch, while Khawaja looked comfortable at the crease. At stumps, Australia were 147-2, leading by 214 runs.
Lyon’s bowling coach, Jason Gillespie, praised the spinner’s effort. “Nathan has been exceptional. His control and variation have been outstanding,” Gillespie said post-day’s play. Pakistan’s coach, Saqlain Mushtaq, admitted Lyon’s spell was a turning point. “Lyon’s spell changed the game. We need to come back stronger tomorrow,” Mushtaq stated.
The match is set to continue with Australia aiming to extend their lead and Pakistan looking to stage a comeback. Lyon’s performance has set the tone for Australia’s dominance in the first Test.
Australia’s commanding 140-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test at the Gabba has set the tone for the series. Nathan Lyon’s 12-wicket haul, including a career-best 7 for 49 in the second innings, was pivotal in Australia’s dominance. The hosts now lead the two-match series 1-0, with the second Test scheduled to begin in Adelaide on 22 December. Australia’s bowlers, particularly Lyon, will be looking to maintain their form, while Pakistan will need to regroup and address their batting frailties. The series is part of Australia’s preparations for the 2023 Ashes, while Pakistan will be eager to bounce back and secure a consolation win in Adelaide.
