Pat Cummins led from the entrance as Australia blew away Pakistan on Friday to win the second Check in Melbourne, whereas additionally taking an unassailable 2-0 lead within the three match collection. Australia captain Cummins bagged 5 wickets and 10 within the match because the hosts received by 79 runs after an prolonged last session on Day 4. The lanky pacer struck 3 times after Tea, earlier than Mitchell Starc took two wickets in as many balls to wrap up Pakistan’s innings.
Chasing a goal of 317, Pakistan captain Shan Masood scored a quickfire 60, whereas Agha Salman (50) and Babar Azam (41) gave them a combating probability.
Babar appeared to have regained his mojo after three low scores, however Josh Hazlewood dismissed him shortly after Tea on 41.
Whereas Pakistan might need been outplayed within the first Two matches, the continued collection has contested in good spirits with some wholesome banter right here and there.
Babar and Australia’s Steve Smith additionally engaged in a hilarious banter as play was about to renew after Tea on Day 4.
Babar was taking his guard when Smith determined to have a phrase with him. The previous Pakistan, nevertheless, determined at hand his bat to Smith, who was pressured to carry his hand following Babar’s gesture.
Unbelievable banter!
Take a look at how Babar asks Smith solely to bat, when he’s on the brink of take guard and Smith goes
#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/SYnsDFP7ao
— Nikhil (@CricCrazyNIKS) December 29, 2023
Each captains mirrored on the sport after Australia received the Boxing Day Check in 4 days.
“Little bit twitchy, felt okay however they had been batting fairly properly,” stated Cummins.
“Something with a 3 in entrance of it was the purpose, so we bought that,” he added of the goal they needed to set Pakistan. “Felt like we had sufficient to bowl at however somewhat bit tight.”
“We’ve to have a look at the larger image. The grins are that there are lots of positives,” stated Pakistan captain Masood.
“That is the way in which we wish to play Check cricket, combating till the tip and a end result was potential for us. Quite a bit to work on. However this can be a blueprint.”
It was all the time going to be a troublesome job for Pakistan, with the highest-ever profitable fourth innings run chase on the Melbourne Cricket Floor the 332-7 England managed in 1928, with no different staff getting previous 300.
(With AFP Inputs)
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