Wisden

The independent voice of cricket

LIVE SCORES
Pakistan v Australia 2022

Watch: ‘The perfect ball’ – Sajid Khan bowls drifting, ripping beauty to end Khawaja’s epic vigil

Sajid Khawaja ball
by Wisden Staff 2 minute read

Watch: Off-spinner Sajid Khan brought an end to Usman Khawaja’s Karachi masterclass with a ripping delivery that turned just enough to take the top of off stump on day two of the Test between Australia and Pakistan.

Khawaja, who is enjoying a resurgence with Australia ever since his Test recall in January, smashed his third century of 2022 on Saturday and advanced to 150 on Sunday. He looked on course to eclipse his Test-best of 174, but was undone by a Sajid special, becoming the sixth Australian wicket to fall.

The ball, pitched on good length and angling towards middle stump, turned enough to sneak past Khawaja’s intended backfoot defence and clip the top of his off stump. The wicket was Sajid’s second in the game, following his dismissal of Travis Head.

bet365

“How about that? No wonder he celebrates for that,” said Rob Key on commentary.”That is the perfect ball, to say he bowled that to someone who is on 160 and been playing so well….”

Khawaja narrowly missed out on a century in the previous game, scoring 97 in Rawalpindi before he was dismissed by Nauman Ali.

 

Have Your Say

Become a Wisden member

  • Exclusive offers and competitions
  • Money-can’t-buy experiences
  • Join the Wisden community
  • Sign up for free
LEARN MORE
Latest magazine

Get the magazine

12 Issues for just £39.99

SUBSCRIBE