Pak vs Aus: Saud Shakeel plays historical innings in first Test at Perth

KARACHI: Pakistani middle-order batter Saud Shakeel Sunday played a historical innings at the Perth stadium, setting a record in the second innings of Pakistan's first Test against Australia.

Shakeel, who played his Test career's eighth match, holds the title of the first batter to score at least 20 runs in each of his first 15 innings in the history of red-ball cricket.

Before the 28-year-old, West Indian cricketer Everton Weekes scored 20 runs in his 14 consecutive innings.

Following this feat, Shakeel is now one innings away from equaling Australia’s Colin McDonald’s record, who posted at least 10 runs in his first 16 Test innings.

Pakistan collapsed badly during their chase of 450 runs and lost half of their wickets before 80 runs as a team.

Not a single batter could stay against the fierce Australian pace attack consisting of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood.

Captain Shan Masood, leading in his maiden Test, didn’t stay much longer, nicking one to Carey off Josh Hazlewood for two, leaving his team in dire straits at 17-2.

Starc further troubled the batting side by dismissing Imam-ul-Haq lbw for 10, before Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel resisted momentarily.

However, their resistance crumbled when Azam edged Cummins on 14, caught again by Carey, leaving Shakeel on 10 and Sarfaraz Ahmed on one at the break.

Earlier today, Australia made a declaration at 233-5 in their second innings on day four after Pakistan were all out for 271.

Captain Pat Cummins decided after opener Usman Khawaja departed for a resilient 90 on a worsening pitch, following a 126-run partnership with Mitchell Marsh.

Marsh remained unbeaten at 63 as Pakistan managed to dismiss Steve Smith and Travis Head early in the day, momentarily sparking hope that quickly faded away.