When Australia crushed Pakistan inside two days of a Test match

NEW DELHI: The second Test between Pakistan and Australia in Sharjah in 2002 remains one of the most one-sided encounters in Test cricket history, with Australia securing victory by an innings and 198 runs within just two days.


This was the second match of a three-Test series, played on the dry and challenging Sharjah pitch.

This was Pakistan's only Test defeat inside two days.

Australia, led by Steve Waugh, dominated from the start. Pakistan's decision to bat after winning the toss backfired horribly as they were bowled out for a meager 59 runs.


Shane Warne spearheaded the collapse with a four-wicket haul, while Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, and Andy Bichel each picked up two wickets.

In reply, Australia posted 310, with Matthew Hayden anchoring the innings with a patient century (119 off 225 balls), providing a solid foundation for his team. His knock was crucial in building a substantial lead.

Reuters Photo

Pakistan, facing a massive deficit, struggled even more in their second innings. They collapsed for just 53 runs, unable to withstand Warne's devastating spin, as he claimed another four wickets (4/13).

The relentless pressure from the Australian bowlers proved too much for the Pakistani batsmen.

Australia won by an innings and 198 runs, wrapping up the match inside two days.

For his composed century, Hayden was named Man of the Match, capping off a dominant performance by Australia in one of Pakistan's most humiliating Test defeats.