October 08 Tuesday 2002
Australia beat Pakistan by 41 runs

COLOMBO: Ace legspinner Shane Warne took 11 wickets to guide Australia to a comeback 41-run victory against Pakistan in the first cricket Test at Colombo's Sarvanamuttu Stadium on Monday. Going to lunch nine wickets down on the fifth and final day still 57 runs behind their victory target, Pakistan lost Faisal Iqbal for 39 runs to be bowled out for 274 in 94.2 overs. Warne was named man of the match for his performance. Australia picked up five Pakistan wickets for 29 runs to take control of the match before the teams went to lunch. At lunch Pakistan was 259-9 after starting the day needing just 137 runs to win.

COLOMBO: Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie leaves the field with team physiotherapist Errol Alcott after injuring his leg during the first Test against Pakistan on October 7, 2002

Faisal Iqbal, not out at 30 was the only recognized batsman at the crease with fast bowler Mohammad Sami to join him after lunch.

It marked the fourth time in the Test match that a batting side lost five or more wickets inside one session.

On Sunday, openers Imran Nazir and Toufeeq Umer raised Pakistan's victory hopes with a 91-run opening-wicket stand.

Going in at 279 for three when rain stopped play on Sunday, Pakistan was in control of the match at one stage with Faisal Iqbal and Younis Khan batting at a steady progress.

Both batsmen were dropped by Mark Waugh at second slip and later put on 43 runs for the fifth wicket.

Warne made the first breakthrough of the day when he had overnight batsman Misbah-ul-Haq caught by skipper Steve Waugh at extra cover for 10 runs.

Later with the total at 230 he trapped Younis Khan leg before wicket for 51 runs. Khan faced 130 balls and hit six fours in his innings.

The match turned around in favor of Australia after skipper Waugh took the second new ball after 84 overs and had the wickets of Rashid Latif, Saqlain Mushtaq, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar inside five overs.

Australia amassed 467 in the first innings helped by 141 runs from No. 3 batsman Ricky Ponting and half-centuries from Justine Langer, Adam Gilchrist and Damien Martyn.

In reply Pakistan made 279 in their first innings with youngster Faisal Iqbal scoring 83 runs.