‘We are aiming to score 450 to 500’ Usman Khawaja

KARACHI: Australia’s centurion on the opening day of the second Test of the ongoing Benaud-Qadir Trophy Usman Khawaja revealed that the touring side has set their sights on a score of 450 to 500, here on Saturday.

Usman, while talking to the media after the conclusion of the opening day of the Karachi Test, has revealed the team’s plan to score more than 450 runs in the first innings.

“We will have to score anything more than 450 to keep the match in our favour and exert the pressure on the opposition batters,” he said.

Usman, who notched up his first century in Pakistan – his country of birth – said it is special for the left-handed batter.

“I think every century is special so does it. I felt really happy to hear the crowd chanting my name,” he said.

The left-handed batter further revealed that some of his relatives were present in the stadium and witnessed him scoring the century.

“Some of my relatives were in the stand. My mother also belongs to Karachi, so I am happy for her as well,” he said.

Australia’s centurion further acknowledged Pakistan’s bowling attack for keeping things tight for the batters and scored the flow of runs.

“I think it is hard for the pacers to bowl in hot weather conditions. But, I think they did exceptionally well to stop the flow of runs by tight bowling,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention here that Usman notched up his first century in his country of birth here today and his 11th combined in Test cricket. The left-handed batter is country unbeaten with 127 and will resume Australia’s innings at 251/3 alongside the nightwatchman Nathan Lyon.

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