Top order dominates in Pakistan 400th Test

Dubai: Pakistan closed the opening day of the day-night first Test, played with a pink ball, against West Indies on 279-1 in Dubai on Thursday.

Azhar Ali smashed an unbeaten 146 while Asad Shafiq was 33 not out after Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat in the second ever day-night Test in cricket history.

Ali put on 215 for the opening wicket with Sami Aslam, who fell for 90 in a match which marked Pakistan's 400th Test.

Ali, playing his 50th Test, steered paceman Miguel Cummins for a double to reach his 21st half century. He has so far hit eight boundaries.

Pakistan gave Test caps to middle-order batsman Babar Azam and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz.

Ali was given a lifeline when Leon Johnson failed to hold onto a sharp chance at gully off Cummins on 17.

West Indian captain Holder brought on his part-time spinner Kraigg Brathwaite in the 15th over and leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo in the 21st but there were no signs of spin.

Brief scores
Pakistan 279 for 1 (Azhar 146*, Aslam 90)

Scores	Upcoming	Results
South Africa vs Pakistan - 3rd ODI 4th Test - Australia v India - December 26-30, 23:30 GMT 1st Test - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan - December 26-30, 07:30 GMT 3rd ODI - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan at Harare Afghanistan won by 8 wickets (with 139 balls remaining) 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 80 runs

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