Pakistan quicks thrive, but batsmen stumble

Pakistanis 208 (Younis 54, Sarfraz 39, Valente 4-36) and 5 for 124 (Azhar 44*) lead Cricket Australia XI 114 (Amir 3-16, Rahat 3-26, Wahab 3-28) by 218 runs
Scorecard

Rahat Ali finished with three wickets © Cricket Australia/Getty Images

The Pakistan fast bowlers completed the demolition job they had begun on the first night, dismissing Cricket Australia XI for 114, but their batsmen stumbled once again against the pink ball under lights in Cairns. The visitors ended the day on 5 for 124 in their second innings, ahead by 218 runs.

CA XI had begun the second day on 4 for 3, and had little respite from a three-pronged pace attack. Mohammad Amir did not add to the three wickets he took on the first day, but Rahat Ali picked up two more to finish with three as well, as did Wahab Riaz who razed the lower order. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz bowled only five overs and did not take a wicket. CA XI were shot out in 39.1 overs, having conceded a first-innings lead of 94.

In their last competitive innings before the day-night Test against Australia in Brisbane from December 15, Pakistan lost Sami Aslam and Babar Azam cheaply once again. They were out for 12 and 22, falling to fast bowler Mark Steketee. Opener Azhar Ali held one end up with an unbeaten 44, but Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq made fleeting visits to the crease.

Azhar added 45 for the fifth wicket with Shafiq, who was dismissed late in the day.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.


Source: ESPN Crickinfo

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