Watch: Faheem Ashraf’s spectacular one-hand catch to dismiss Steve Smith

All-rounder Faheem Ashraf’s brilliant catch in the slips stopped Steve Smith from converting his 72 runs to a century on Day 1 at the National Stadium in Karachi.

Smith and Usman Khawaja were the set players and their partnership looked as if Pakistan won’t get a chance to break them at stumps. But in the over of Hasan Ali, Smith attempted to send the ball through the covers. But instead, the edge hit the ball and Faheem Ashraf, who was standing in the slips. caught a spectacular catch with one hand and sent Smith to the dressing room.

It was disappointing for Smith as he wanted to convert his 72 to a century again. In the last test, he got dismissed on 78 runs on a flat pitch which got the ratings of “below average” by the ICC.

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Australia dominated Day 1 of the Test

Australia would have been delighted to bat first on what looked to be an absolute belter of a wicket in Karachi. Openers David Warner and Khawaja got the visitors off to a sensational start once again.

Australia won the toss and were delighted to bat first. Usman Khawaja and David Warner, after carefully playing the new ball, devoured the loose deliveries. But Faheem Ashraf gave a breakthrough to the Pakistan team after he dismissed Warner. Marnus Labuschagne got run-out for a duck. It was Khawaja and Smith who fought the Pakistan’s bowling and dominated the host.

Khawaja scored his hundred and added 159 runs. Pakistan were waiting for a mistake from their opponents and Smith dismissal gave them one.

The Day 1 was a long one and Day 2 could a longer one too if Pakistani bowler do not strike early on Day 2. Their last match resulted in a dull draw. This time both teams will be looking forward to take a lead.

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