Dropped catches and a missed stumping and run-out opportunity proved to be costly for Pakistan on the first day as Australia continued to build their innings, propelled by David Warner’s 26th Test century. 

The initial missed opportunity occurred in the 16th over when Aamir Jamal bowled the first ball. Usman Khawaja, batting on 21, attempted a pull shot, resulting in a top edge that looped over the slip cordon. Abdullah Shafique, stationed in the slips, moved backward to take the catch. Despite positioning himself well, Shafique failed to track the ball’s path, allowing it to slip through the gap between his outstretched hands and body. Regrettably, this dropped catch led to the ball bouncing away for a boundary, compounding the fielding lapse.

Abdullah Shafique dropped easy one ! You can’t do this in Australia

Big opportunity missed #PAKvAUS #PAKvAUS #ShaheenAfridi pic.twitter.com/a07ovE3yzi

— King babar azam FC 💚 (@__Musadiq) December 14, 2023

David Warner, showcasing excellent form, achieved his 26th century without offering any chances to the opposition. However, he got a reprieve on 104 when Khurram Shahzad couldn’t hold onto a catch above his head at mid-on.

No words🤦‍♂️💯.#PAKvsAUS #AUSvsPAK pic.twitter.com/UWeeBsJ4QV

— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) December 14, 2023

Another opportunity for Pakistan to dismiss Warner arose when he reached 141. Agha Salman delivered a ball just outside off, featuring plenty of turn, grip, and bounce. Despite no edge, Sarfaraz Ahmed failed to cleanly gather the ball, and Warner found himself out of his crease. Babar Azam, positioned at slip, attempted a run-out, but the throw was off target, letting Warner off the hook once again.

A very eventful bye 🫣 #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/kbyL7gtaYg

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 14, 2023