Gabba Test: Aussies wrap up nail-biting win after Pak's epic run chase

Brisbane [Australia], Dec.19 (ANI): Australia struck Pakistan's last two wickets quickly to clinch a 39-run win before tea on day five of the opening day and night Test of the three-match series at the Gabba here on Monday. Chasing a world record target of 490 runs to win, Pakistan's ninth-wicket partnership between Asad Shafiq (137) and Yasir Shah (33) delayed Australia's victory and made their side's impossible chase look easy. However, pace spearhead Mitchell Starc stepped up to break the 71-run stand between the duo and end Shafiq's magnificent knock featuring 13 boundaries and a six. Soon a precise throw by Australian skipper Steve Smith ran out Yasir Shah, thus putting an end to what would have been a record chase. The Misbah-ul-Haq-led side were eventually bundled out for 450 runs. For Australia, Mitchell Starc bagged four wickets while Jackson Bird and Nathan Lyon claimed three and two wickets respectively. Although the visiting side lost the opening Test, they received a flurry of admiration for their dogged fourth innings chase. Shafiq was declared ` Man of the Match` for his brilliant performance with the bat. Earlier, Smith declared their second innings at 202 after bowling out Pakistan for 142 runs in their first innings. With this win, Australia have taken a 1-0 lead in the series. They will next lock horns with Pakistan in the second Test at the MCG on Boxing Day. (ANI)