1st Test, Day 2: Azhar, Imam tons drive Pakistan to huge total against Australia

Sizeable hundreds by Azhar Ali (185) and Imam-ul-Haq (157) helped Pakistan post a huge first-innings total and continue their domination over Australia on Day 2 of the first Test of the three-match series, here on Saturday.

Azhar's marathon 361-ball innings ended midway through the final session when he fell seeking quick runs as Pakistan declared their first innings on 476 for 4. In reply, Australia were 5 for no loss, still trailing by a substantial 471 with Usman Khawaja (5 not out) and David Warner (0 not out) at the crease, when bad light stopped play in the final session of Day 2.

Continuing from an overnight score of 245/1, Imam-ul-Haq and Azhar Ali continued to pile on the visitors' misery. Despite wickets in hand, the batters were cautious in their approach and made the Australia bowlers work hard under the sun in Rawalpindi.

The first session of the day saw just 57 runs in 25 overs, with only four boundaries coming off the bat. Imam got to his 150 as Pakistan went to lunch at 302/1.

Azhar Ali too got to his triple figures but he had his heart in his mouth as the ball just cleared the fielder at mid-on for a four. There was finally some cause for celebration for Australia as Pat Cummins finally brought an end to Imam's innings, trapping him in front of the stumps for 157. The wicket ended a massive 208-run partnership between the third wicket pair.