In a thrilling encounter at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia clinched an unassailable 2-0 lead to retain the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, defeating Pakistan by 79 runs on Friday.
Pakistan’s left-arm pacers, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mir Hamza, showcased stellar performances with four-wicket hauls each, limiting Australia to 262 on day four. However, Pakistan fell short in their chase of 317, being bowled out for 237.
Resuming from their overnight score of 187-6, Australia extended their lead to 241 with Alex Carey’s resilient half-century (53, 101b, 8x4s). Mir Hamza claimed Carey’s wicket, completing his four-wicket haul and registering career-best figures (four for 32) in Tests.
In response, Pakistan faced an early setback as opener Abdullah Shafique was caught by Usman Khawaja off Mitchell Starc. Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq contributed with a 41-run partnership, but wickets fell steadily. Skipper Babar Azam fought hard for a half-century, becoming the third Pakistani captain to achieve twin half-centuries in a Test in Australia.
Despite Salman Ali Agha’s fifth Test half-century (50, 70b, 6x4s) and a resilient stand with Mohammad Rizwan, Australia’s Pat Cummins secured a dramatic victory with a five-wicket haul. Cummins, the Player of the Match, claimed a total of 10 wickets across both innings.
The Sydney Cricket Ground will host the final Test of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy from January 3 to 7, 2024, as Pakistan aims for a comeback. The first ball is set to be bowled at 0430 PKT.
Scores in Brief:
- Australia beat Pakistan by 79 runs.
- Australia: 318 all out and 262 all out.
- Pakistan: 264 all out and 237 all out.
- Player of the Match: Pat Cummins (Australia).
Australia Vs Pakistan 2023-24 Second Test Day 4
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