Day Four at the iconic MCG witnessed an enthralling showdown that secured Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead, securing their retention of the prestigious Benaud-Qadir Trophy. The drama-packed day unfolded with captivating displays of bowling prowess from Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mir Hamza, ending Pakistan’s valiant chase, falling short by 79 runs.
Australia’s Innings:
Resuming from their overnight score of 187-6, Australia eyed a formidable lead. The tenacious Alex Carey, resilient in his stroke-making, notched a composed half-century, steering his team to 262 before falling to Mir Hamza, who concluded his spell with a career-best, scalping four wickets for 32 runs.
Shaheen Shah Afridi was in top form, dismissing Mitchell Starc to claim his own four-wicket haul. Aamir Jamal’s precision fetched two crucial wickets, including the prized scalp of skipper Pat Cummins, leaving Australia at 262.
Pakistan’s Chase:
Chasing 317, Pakistan faced an early blow with Abdullah Shafique’s dismissal, caught by Usman Khawaja off Mitchell Starc. Shan Masood, his replacement, and Imam-ul-Haq built a steady partnership before the latter departed LBW to Cummins.
The resilient Babar Azam joined Shan, pushing the total past 100, setting a solid foundation. Shan, exhibiting exceptional leadership, achieved a hard-fought half-century before falling to Cummins.
Babar’s resistance was pierced by Hazlewood, leaving the visitors vulnerable at 162-5. Despite Salman Ali Agha’s spirited half-century, Pakistan continued to lose wickets at crucial junctures. Rizwan’s dismissal after an intense 35 added to the mounting pressure.
Cummins shone yet again, snatching the wickets of Shaheen and Aamir, securing a five-wicket haul in the process, earning him the Player of the Match title for his exceptional 10-wicket contribution across both innings.
The Final Push:
Salman, displaying grit, reached his fifth Test half-century before falling victim to a spectacular catch by Mitchell Marsh. Starc swiftly dismissed Mir Hamza, sealing Australia’s victory with Pakistan bowled out for 237.
The exhilarating contest left Australia triumphant, claiming the Benaud-Qadir Trophy and setting the stage for the final showdown at the Sydney Cricket Ground from 3rd to 7th January 2024. With the series secured, anticipation brews for the final battle to cap off this gripping Test series.
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