Pakistan’s Masood and Azam Lead Valiant Chase Against Australia in Second Test

Pakistan's Masood and Azam Lead Valiant Chase Against Australia in Second Test

VoM News Desk | December 29, 2023 | 10:50 AM IST | Cricket, Sports | Follow on Google News

Pakistan’s Masood and Azam Lead Valiant Chase Against Australia in Second Test Image/X@PCB

Pakistan’s Masood and Azam Lead Valiant Chase Against Australia in Second Test

Pakistan’s skipper Shan Masood and Babar Azam displayed resilience and determination with the bat, spearheading the chase against a vigilant Australian side on Day 4 of the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

At the Tea break, Pakistan stood at 129/3, requiring 188 runs to secure victory, with Babar Azam (35) and Saud Shakeel (10) standing firm at the crease. The dismissal of opener Imam-ul-Haq in the 5th over, courtesy of Pat Cummins, was later confirmed after a DRS review revealed the ball partially hitting the stumps.

Babar Azam, the former captain, entered the crease and alongside Masood, initiated a composed partnership, tactfully avoiding any edges and playing courageous shots. Masood reached his 50 in just 58 balls, showcasing six boundaries, before Cummins claimed his wicket, catching him at second slip off Steve Smith’s delivery, ending Masood’s innings at 60 off 71 deliveries.

Pakistan entered the final session with Azam and Shakeel standing undefeated. Earlier in the day, Mitchell Starc removed Abdullah Shafique early in the morning session, leaving Pakistan to chase a target of 317 runs set by the hosts.

The Australian bowlers found their rhythm with Starc and Josh Hazlewood utilizing the new ball effectively. Nathan Lyon’s entry just before lunch almost yielded a wicket for Australia, but the DRS call favored the batsman, prolonging the visitors’ innings.

The summary of the match saw Australia posting scores of 318 and 262 in their innings, while Pakistan tallied 264 and 129/3 (Babar Azam 35*, Shan Masood 60) in their pursuit of victory. Mitchell Marsh’s 96 and Alex Carey’s 53 contributed significantly for Australia, while Mir Hamza’s 4/32 showcased a strong bowling performance for Pakistan.

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