Hazlewood’s Stunning Late Show Puts Pakistan on the Ropes in SCG Test

Josh Hazlewood delivered a spectacular three-wicket maiden in the penultimate over, leaving Pakistan reeling at 68-7 by the close of play, granting Australia a firm grip in a tense battle at the SCG. Earlier, Aamir Jamal’s extraordinary six-fer had given Pakistan a slender 14-run lead.

Pakistan’s second innings began disastrously, with Abdullah Shafique and skipper Shan Masood departing for ducks. Shafique was undone by a sensational delivery from Mitchell Starc, while Masood fell to Hazlewood’s probing line, comfortably caught by Alex Carey behind the stumps.

A brief resistance from debutant Saim Ayub and Babar Azam provided some stability, stitching a crucial 56-run partnership. Saim displayed aggression with his strokes, including a powerful upper-cut for a maximum off Starc. However, Pakistan’s fortunes took a downturn as Saim fell to Nathan Lyon, followed by Babar’s dismissal off Travis Head’s bowling.

Hazlewood’s devastating spell dismantled Pakistan’s middle order, claiming the wickets of Saud Shakeel, nightwatchman Sajid Khan, and Salman Ali Agha in just five deliveries, leaving the visitors in disarray.

Aamir Jamal’s heroics continued as he triggered an Australian collapse earlier in the day, securing a six-wicket haul, decimating the hosts from 289-5 to 299 all out. His impactful performance, including key dismissals of Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins, and Hazlewood, limited Australia’s lead.

The morning session saw Australia struggling at 199-4, losing Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne in quick succession to Salman and Mir Hamza respectively.

As the fourth day beckons, Pakistan, with a lead of 82 runs and seven wickets down, will resume their innings with Mohammad Rizwan and Aamir hoping to extend their team’s lead in a crucial phase of the Test.

Pakistan currently stands at 313 all out and 68-7 in their second innings, while Australia posted 299 all out in their first innings.

The enthralling contest at the SCG promises more twists as the battle intensifies, with both sides aiming for supremacy in this gripping Test match.