Pak vs Aus: Sarfraz, Paine hail wrecker-in-chief pacer Abbas

Mohammad Abbas

Rival captains Sarfraz Ahmed and Tim Paine were unanimous in their praise of wicket-taking sensation Mohammad Abbas, who helped Pakistan thrash Australia in the second Test in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

Abbas, 28, took 5 for 62 as Australia, set a colossal 538-run target, were bowled out for 164 on the fourth afternoon in their worst-ever defeat against Pakistan, losing by 373 runs at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Abbas finished with 10 for 95 for the match after taking 5 for 33 in the first innings, ending up as man-of-the-series with 17 wickets in two Tests. "Looks like they hadn't prepared for Abbas, they took him a little easy," said Sarfraz. "But credit goes to Abbas, because the pitch is not suitable for fast bowlers," said Sarfraz. "The way he bowled, he was the best bowler on either side."

Paine agreed with Sarfraz's assessment of Abbas. "Abbas is a world-class bowler. He (Abbas) challenged our defence and was too good for us," said Paine.

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