In a remarkable display of skill, Pakistani middle-order batter Saud Shakeel scripted history at Perth Stadium during the first Test against Australia. In his eighth Test match, Shakeel achieved the distinction of becoming the first player to score a minimum of 20 runs in each of his first 15 innings in red-ball cricket, surpassing the previous record held by West Indian cricketer Everton Weekes.
Having secured this milestone, the 28-year-old cricketer now stands on the verge of matching the record set by Australia’s Colin McDonald, who achieved at least 10 runs in his initial 16 Test innings.
Despite Shakeel’s commendable performance, Pakistan faced a daunting task, collapsing in their pursuit of a 450-run target. The formidable Australian pace attack, led by Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, proved challenging for the Pakistani batsmen.
Read This: Australia Builds Formidable 402-Run Lead over Pakistan in Perth Test
Captain Shan Masood fell early, contributing to the team’s struggle at 17-2. Starc and Cummins further intensified the pressure, leading to the dismissals of Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam. Saud Shakeel showcased resilience, remaining unbeaten on 10, with Sarfaraz Ahmed at one during the break.
Earlier in the day, Australia declared their second innings at 233-5, with opener Usman Khawaja’s resilient 90 providing a solid foundation. Despite moments of hope for Pakistan with the early dismissals of Steve Smith and Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh’s unbeaten 63 reinforced Australia’s dominance on day four.
