The series between Pakistan and Australia stands at 0-0 after the 2nd test ended in an entertaining draw. The Australians batted 1st in this 2nd test match and posted 556-9 declared and then bowled Pakistan out for 148.
Australia decided not to enforce the follow-on and batted again as they felt their bowlers will get tired in the heat as well as the wicket would deteriorate more and it would be difficult to bat last on. They batted out the remaining overs on day 3 last session and 8 overs on the morning of day 4 and then declared giving Pakistan a target of 506.
With 5 and three-quarter sessions to play it looked like a tough task for Pakistan especially after they lost Imam ul Haq and Azhar Ali early in the chase. Then Captain Babar stepped up to the task and lead them to stumps also needing a 2-year wait for a test century. He was supported very well by the young Abdulla Shafiq who is at the start of his career.
Babar continued to lead from the front on the last day even as Abdulla Shafiq fell short of what would have been a well-deserved test century and Fawad Alam was dismissed by a beautiful delivery from Aussie captain Cummins. Babar continued to lead his team to safety and he was joined by his debut Rizwan both stuck to the task and defied the Aussie bowlers as they showed some great determination.
Babar was out in the last session with just a few overs left in the day and he was 4 runs short of what would have been a great double century. Faheem Asharaf was out the very next ball and it seemed like Pakistan would panic and collapse but Rizwan held the team and guided them through the last few overs getting his century and also securing the Draw for Pakistan.
Pakistan can take a lot of confidence from their 2nd innings performance and also hope to see their bowlers take so inspiration from their batters and put a good performance in Lahore and a disappointing performance in Karachi.
Australia will be disappointed they could not get the result but would be happy that their bowlers put in a much-improved performance from the Phindi test. They will hope their batsman can continue their form and bowlers can go one better and get 20 wickets so they can come away with a series win.
Hope to see an exciting and entertaining 3rd test.
Writer : Ebrahim Yusuf Omar
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