The Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed a day of thrilling cricket as Aamir Jamal’s breathtaking innings rescued Pakistan from a precarious situation, guiding them to a competitive total of 313 on the opening day of the third Test of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy against Australia.
Facing a challenging spell at 220-7, Aamir Jamal, displaying incredible resilience and aggression, transformed the landscape of the game. In just his third Test appearance, the young batsman seized the spotlight, delivering a scintillating 82 runs off 97 balls, comprising an impressive tally of nine boundaries and four towering sixes. His outstanding counterattack proved instrumental in propelling Pakistan to a formidable first-innings total.
Aamir’s standout performance was accentuated by his partnership with Mir Hamza, the last-wicket duo frustrating the Australian bowling attack with a resilient alliance worth 86 runs from 133 deliveries. While Hamza displayed staunch defense to remain unbeaten at seven off 43 balls, Aamir showcased relentless aggression before finally departing, caught by Mitchell Starc off Nathan Lyon’s delivery, prompting a standing ovation as he walked back to the pavilion.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan faced early setbacks, stumbling to 47-4 after opting to bat first. Openers Abdullah Shafique and debutant Saim Ayub departed without troubling the scorers. The Australian skipper, Pat Cummins, continued his dominance by dismissing Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel, further deepening Pakistan’s woes.
However, Shan Masood, after a reprieve from a no-ball, battled for a composed 35 runs before falling to Mitchell Marsh. The middle order then rallied, spearheaded by Mohammad Rizwan’s magnificent 88 off 103 deliveries, featuring an array of strokes that included 10 boundaries and two sixes. Rizwan’s fiery innings came to an end with Cummins inducing an edge to Josh Hazlewood.
Salman Ali Agha contributed substantially with a valiant 53 off 67 balls, playing positively until Mitchell Starc halted his charge. Cummins continued to torment the Pakistan lineup, claiming Hasan Ali’s wicket for a brisk duck to secure his third consecutive five-wicket haul.
As the day concluded, Australia, facing an overnight score of 6-0, negotiated one over bowled by Sajid Khan without any further loss, with Usman Khawaja and David Warner, in his farewell Test, set to resume their first-innings reply.
The stage is set for an intriguing second day’s play, promising more captivating moments as the hosts aim to respond to Pakistan’s challenging total.
Scores at a glance:
Pakistan: 313 all out in 77.1 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 88, Aamir Jamal 82, Salman Ali Agha 53, Shan Masood 35; Pat Cummins 5-61, Mitchell Starc 2-75, Mitchell Marsh 1-27)
Australia: 6-0 in 1 over (David Warner 6 not out)
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