The cricketing world witnessed an electrifying clash between Pakistan and Australia on Day 3 and 4 of Test Match 3 in 2024. The battle unfolded with Australia starting the second day at 116/2 after 77.1 overs. Let’s delve into the key moments and standout performances that defined this gripping encounter.
Australia’s Batting Display
The Australian innings began with Steve Smith, who showcased resilience but fell at 73.2 overs, scoring 38 off 86 balls. His departure set the tone for an eventful day on the pitch. Marnus Labuschagne added to the scoreboard with a solid innings, scoring 60 off 147 balls before being dismissed at 74.2 overs. Travis Head contributed 10 runs from 29 balls, but his departure at 83.2 overs left Australia vulnerable. Alex Carey, who scored 38 off 58 balls, was another vital wicket at 106.2 overs. Mitchell Marsh’s impressive half-century, scoring 54 off 113 balls, provided Australia with a much-needed boost. However, his dismissal at 107.4 overs kept the match finely balanced. Mitchell Starc managed to hold his ground, remaining not out with 1 run off 9 balls. Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood faced tough spells, with Cummins and Lyon departing without significant contributions.
Pakistan’s Bowling Prowess
Sajid Khan proved instrumental, conceding 73 runs and claiming 1 wicket with an impressive economy of 2.81. Mir Hamza’s precise bowling earned him 1 wicket while conceding 53 runs, showcasing skill and control with a 2.52 economy. Despite not securing a wicket, Hassan Ali’s tenacity in conceding only 53 runs at a 2.52 economy played a crucial role in maintaining pressure on the Australian batsmen. Aamir Jamal emerged as the star for Pakistan, claiming an impressive 6 wickets while conceding 69 runs with a 3.18 economy. Salman Ali Agha chipped in with crucial breakthroughs, taking 2 wickets for 43 runs at an impressive 2.15 economy.
Pakistan’s Second Innings
Pakistan’s opening batsmen, Abdullah Shafiq and Shan Masood, faced early dismissals, scoring 0 and 0, respectively, setting a challenging tone for the team. Saim Ayub showcased resilience, contributing 33 runs off 53 balls before succumbing at 17.4 overs. Babar Azam managed 23 runs off 52 balls before departing at 20.1 overs, leaving Pakistan with a challenging task. Muhammad Rizwan’s gritty 28 runs off 57 balls and Aamir Jamal’s 18 off 47 balls provided some resistance, but Australia continued to dominate.
Australia’s Bowling Brilliance
Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, and Travis Head displayed outstanding bowling performances, taking crucial wickets and restricting Pakistan’s scoring.
Australia’s Bowling Figures
Mitchell Starc led the bowling attack with 1 wicket for 15 runs (3.75 economy), while Hazlewood and Lyon claimed four and three wickets, respectively.
Australia’s Second Innings
Australia’s openers, Usman Khawaja and David Warner, faced early dismissals, setting the stage for a tense second innings.
Marnus Labuschagne’s resilient innings of 62, not out of 73 balls, played a crucial role in stabilizing Australia’s innings. Steve Smith, alongside Labuschagne, remained unbeaten at 4 runs off 1 ball, providing a steady presence for Australia.
Pakistan’s Bowling Response
Sajid Khan took 2 wickets for 49 runs (4.45 economy), while Mir Hamza, Hassan Ali, Salman Ali Agha, and Aamir Jamal displayed commendable efforts to contain the Australian batsmen.
