Perth, Australia – December 15, 2023 – In a sensational debut performance, Pakistani pacer Aamer Jamal stole the limelight with a remarkable six-wicket haul, playing a pivotal role in restricting Australia to 487 on the second day of the opening Test at Perth.
Jamal’s 6/111 not only showcased his talent but also etched his name in the record books, marking the third-best bowling figures in an innings for a Pakistan pacer on debut.
Jamal, along with fellow debutant Khurram Shahzad, entered the arena as Pakistan’s bowling duo, ready to make their mark. Bowling as the first change to the experienced Shaheen Afridi and Shahzad, Jamal initially had a disciplined yet uneventful first spell. However, the narrative took a turn in his second spell, as the Australian duo of David Warner and Steve Smith launched an assault on his bowling.
Undeterred by the onslaught, Jamal maintained his composure and struck gold in his third spell by dismissing Travis Head and the dangerous David Warner. The bowler adhered to his plans, benefitting from the strategic field placements set by captain Shan Masood.
The real magic unfolded on the second day of play when Jamal bowled a delivery that could only be described as a “corker,” dismantling Alex Carey’s stumps before the batsman could react. Despite conceding runs, Jamal persisted with his line and length, delivering a beauty that sent Mitchell Starc’s stumps flying. Two more wickets followed, completing a sensational six-for and culminating in figures of 6/111.
These figures not only marked the third-best performance by a Pakistani bowler on Test debut but also positioned Jamal at sixth place overall in this prestigious list. Mohammad Zahid’s remarkable 7/66 against New Zealand in Rawalpindi in 1996 tops the charts, followed by Arif Butt’s 6/89 at the MCG in 1964.
Jamal’s heroics with the ball ensured that Australia, who had a blistering start, were eventually restricted to 487 runs. In response, Pakistan displayed discipline with the bat during the initial stages of their innings. However, a couple of crucial strikes from the Australian bowlers left them at 132/2 at the close of the day’s play.
As the Test match unfolds, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await to see if Jamal’s extraordinary debut performance will set the tone for Pakistan’s reply with the bat and pave the way for a competitive contest at Perth.