On this day in 2002: Australia humiliate Pakistan inside two days to win a Test
12th October 2002. This is a date that might not bring fond memories to a Pakistan cricket fan. For, it was on this date that the Australian cricket team completed their annihilation job, defeating the Pakistan side by an innings and 198 runs inside just 2 days in a Test match that took place in Sharjah.
In this match, the Pakistan side batted first and produced a disastrous performance. The then Waqar Younis led outfit was bowled out for a paltry total of 59, and apart from Abdul Razzaq, who scored 21, not even a single batsman could score in double digits.
Spin bowling legend Shane Warne ripped through the Pakistan batting lineup. Warne scalped 4 wickets in the 11 overs that he bowled, and leaked just 11 runs as well. Apart from Warne, the likes of Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Andy Bichel also scalped 2 wickets each.
Australia replied with a total of 310. And, it was opener Matthew Hayden who led Australia’s charge with the willow and scored a sensational 255-ball 119. Apart from Hayden, Ricky Ponting also scored 44 off 65 deliveries.
For Pakistan, Saqlain Mushtaq scalped 4 wickets, while Abdul Razzaq dismissed 3 willow wielders. In the second innings, Pakistan produced another shoddy performance. The entire Pakistan second innings lasted just 24.5 overs, and they were bowled out for just 53, losing the match by an innings and 198 runs.
In the second innings too, it was Shane Warne who caused most of the damage. Warne picked up 4 wickets in the second essay too and leaked just 13 runs. Apart from Warne, Andy Bichel also scalped a couple of wickets, while McGrath and Lee picked up a solitary scalp each as the kangaroos hammered the Pakistan side.
Australia’s opening batsman Matthew Hayden won the Player of the Match award for his superb century in the first innings.
