In Karachi, Australia’s bowlers helped them wrest control of the game with a disciplined performance before Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja increased their lead to 489. Australia started the day on 505/8 and declared on 556/9 after adding some crucial runs.
Mitchell Starc was bowled by Shaheen Afridi on the second ball of the day, failing to add on his useful knock of 28. Swepson made his debut at the crease, partnering skipper Cummins, and the two batters continued to attack the Pakistani bowlers, adding an unassailable 51-run last-wicket partnership. Swepson had an unblemished 15 and Cummins had an unblemished 35.
Pakistan’s response to Australia’s massive total got off to a rough start. They lost their first two wickets early in the game, allowing the visitors to entirely control the contest. Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq each took their time to align their gaze in the centre. Starc bowled some tight lengths in his opening spell alongside skipper Pat Cummins to keep the Pakistani bats in check. Despite this, Imam and Shafique managed it through the crucial first half-hour and had completed the first spell of the Australian pacers.
They appeared to be on their way to a good start, but in the 14th over, the openers tried a daring single, and newcomer Swepson’s direct hit was enough to send Shafique back to the pavilion for 13 runs.
