In a hard-fought battle at Melbourne on Day 4, Pakistan’s batters Shan Masood, Babar Azam and Agha Salman displayed remarkable resilience, but Australia’s pace duo of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc showed exceptional zeal, propelling the hosts to a thrilling win in the second Test and securing an unassailable 2-0 lead with one match remaining.
Skipper Pat Cummins led Australia to a 79-run win in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, claiming a total of 10 wickets in the match. Starc’s figures of 4/55 added to the hostile display of fast bowling that propelled Australia to their consecutive triumph.
Despite Pakistan’s valiant efforts, they fell short as Australia clinched a solid victory. Starting the final session at 129/3, Pakistan found hope in the partnership between Saud Shakeel and Babar Azam. However, Josh Hazlewood’s remarkable delivery in the 41st over removed the well-set Babar for 41.
Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman’s 57-run partnership injected excitement into the contest, with Pakistan reaching 219/5 and needing 98 runs for a series-leveling win. Yet, Cummins’ dismissal of Rizwan, aided by a reversed DRS decision, swung momentum Australia’s way. Aamer Jamal fell shortly after, caught and bowled by Cummins.
In a dramatic turn, Cummins claimed his tenth wicket by dismissing Shaheen Shah Afridi, while Starc accounted for Salman and Mir Hamza in consecutive deliveries, leading to Pakistan’s dismissal for 237.
Earlier in the day, Masood and Babar Azam had led Pakistan’s determined chase against a vigilant Australian side. By Tea, Pakistan stood at 129/3, requiring 188 runs for victory, with Babar Azam (35) and Saud Shakeel (10) showing confidence at the crease.
Match Summary:
Australia 318 and 262 (Mitchell Marsh 96, Alex Carey 53, Mir Hamza 4/32)
Pakistan 264 and 237 (Shan Masood 60, Agha Salman 50; Pat Cummins 5-49)
-By Aditya Ahuja
