Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood orchestrated a dominant second-wicket partnership, propelling Pakistan into contention on the second day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The Benaud-Qadir Trophy’s second match saw Pakistan closing the day trailing by 124 runs after dismissing Australia for 318.
Australia, resuming from their overnight score of 187-3, saw the early breakthrough by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who dismissed Travis Head (17, 32b, 3x4s), disrupting the 50-run partnership with Marnus Labuschagne. Aamir Jamal then struck to remove Labuschagne, the top-scorer for Australia, who contributed a gritty 63 from 155 balls.
Mitchell Marsh, stepping in for Head, added 41 runs to the total, but a flurry of wickets, including those of Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, and Marsh, left Australia reeling at 286-8.
The ninth-wicket partnership of 20 runs between Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon pushed Australia past the 300-run mark. However, right-arm pacer Hasan Ali returned to remove Lyon, closing the Australian innings at 318.
Pakistan’s bowling unit showcased exceptional teamwork, with Aamir leading the pack, securing three crucial wickets. Shaheen, Hasan, and Hamza contributed two wickets each, while spinner Salman Ali Agha claimed one scalp.
As Pakistan took to the crease, Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique exhibited cautious play in the face of the Australian bowling attack.
Although Imam fell early, Shafique found a reliable partner in captain Shan Masood. The duo stitched together a splendid 90-run partnership, swinging the momentum in Pakistan’s favor.
Shafique’s innings was particularly noteworthy as he notched up a solid half-century, scoring 62 runs from 109 balls, including five boundaries. His resilience was evident until he was caught and bowled by Cummins, providing Australia a crucial breakthrough.
In the same over, Cummins rattled the stumps of Babar Azam, who departed after contributing just a solitary run. The pressure continued to mount on Pakistan as Shan Masood, after a commendable 54 from 76 balls, top-edged a delivery to be caught by Marsh off Lyon’s bowling.
The middle order witnessed further upheaval as Josh Hazlewood disturbed the stumps to dismiss Saud Shakeel for a nine-ball stay at the crease. Salman Ali Agha (5, 8b, 1×4) also succumbed to Cummins, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position at 170-6 in 48 overs.
Amidst the challenges, Mohammad Rizwan and Aamir Jamal displayed resilience, attempting to rebuild the innings. The duo managed an unbeaten seventh-wicket stand, contributing 24 runs and salvaging a semblance of stability after the loss of five wickets for just 46 runs.
At stumps, Pakistan stood at 194-6 in 55 overs, with Rizwan unbeaten on 29 (34b, 1×4, 1×6) and Aamir not out on 2 (26b). As the action is set to resume on day three at the Melbourne Cricket Ground at 0430 PKT, Pakistan aims to consolidate their position with a focus on narrowing the deficit and establishing a foundation for a competitive second innings.
The stage is set for another riveting day of Test cricket, promising twists and turns in this gripping encounter between Pakistan and Australia.