**Australia's Starc, Cummins Take Pakistan To 203**

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Post on Nov 04, 2024

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Australia's Starc, Cummins Take Pakistan to 203: A Dominant Bowling Performance Sets Up a Thrilling Chase

The first Test match between Australia and Pakistan at the Gabba in Brisbane witnessed a captivating display of fast bowling, with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins leading the charge to restrict Pakistan to a modest 203. The Australian pace duo showcased their class and experience, dismantling the Pakistani batting order in a mesmerizing performance that set the stage for an intriguing chase.

Starc's Early Strikes Set the Tone

The match began with a whirlwind of pace and movement from Starc, who immediately put the Pakistani batsmen on the back foot. He struck in the very first over, dismissing the dangerous Imam-ul-Haq with a delivery that swung late and kissed the edge of his bat. The left-arm seamer continued his relentless assault, claiming three more wickets in the first session, including a stunning dismissal of Azhar Ali caught brilliantly by Steve Smith at slip.

Cummins Dominates with a Five-for

While Starc set the tone, it was Cummins who took the center stage in the second session, delivering a masterclass in pace bowling. The Australian captain claimed five wickets, including the crucial scalp of Babar Azam, Pakistan's captain, who fell victim to a well-directed bouncer. Cummins' relentless line and length frustrated the Pakistani batsmen, who struggled to find any rhythm against his pace and movement.

Pakistan's Struggles Against the Pace

The Pakistani batting lineup, which boasts some of the world's best players, looked completely out of their depth against the pace and bounce offered by the Gabba pitch. The batsmen struggled to cope with the movement off the surface, offering tentative strokes and falling prey to the relentless pressure applied by the Australian bowlers.

A Challenging Target for Australia

With Pakistan bowled out for a relatively low score, Australia was presented with a challenging target to chase. However, the team's batting lineup, which boasts the likes of Steve Smith, David Warner, and Marnus Labuschagne, is capable of chasing any target, making the outcome of the match far from predictable.

Key Takeaways from the First Day

• The Australian bowlers, particularly Starc and Cummins, delivered a dominant performance, demonstrating their skills and experience.
• The Gabba pitch offered plenty of pace and bounce, making it challenging for the batsmen.
• Pakistan's batting lineup struggled to adapt to the conditions, failing to withstand the relentless pressure from the Australian bowlers.
• The first day ended with Australia requiring a modest score to win the match, setting the stage for an exciting second day.

This first day of the Test match served as a reminder of the immense talent possessed by both teams. Australia's pace attack showcased its dominance, while Pakistan's batting order faces a tough challenge. The match continues to be a fascinating encounter, with both teams vying for victory.