The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) witnessed a gripping battle between Australia and Pakistan on Day 3. The highlight was the dynamic duo of Labuschagne and Smith, who embarked on a quest for dominance, notching up an impressive 79-run partnership. The game took an unexpected turn when Pakistani bowler Jamal stunned the crowd, dismissing both Smith and Labuschagne in quick succession.
In a compelling response, Australia’s Mitch Marsh and Carey rallied together, forming a crucial partnership that endured for half a century. Marsh then got out. With just four wickets in hand and 24 runs to reach Pakistan’s total, the game hung in the balance. Tensions soared as Carey, too, succumbed at tea, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish.
The climax unfurled with a wild cricket match, culminating in Aamer Jamal‘s six-fer, showcasing his wicket-taking prowess. Pakistan, with a slender 14-run lead, faced adversity as Shafique and Masood departed for ducks. However, the ship steadied with a fifty-fifty partnership between Saim Ayub and Babar Azam. Lyon, finding his rhythm, broke the vital partnership, triggering a slide as Cummins and Hazlewood wreaked havoc. Pakistan, at 82/7, looked to Aamer Jamal and Rizwan to salvage the innings.
Before the start of the fourth day, Pakistan found themselves with an 82-run lead, navigating the challenging conditions of the SCG. The pitch, known for its unpredictable bounce and turn, posed a formidable challenge for both batting sides.
In the final innings of the test series, Pakistan’s star batter, Babar Azam, faced another setback, managing to score just 23 runs. This marks a continued lacklustre performance for Babar throughout the tour of Australia. Despite being relieved of captaincy, he has failed to find his batting form, leading to widespread criticism.
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Amidst the disappointment on the field, a video showing Babar Azam having fun during the Sydney test went viral. This added an interesting dimension to the narrative, providing fans with a glimpse of the player’s lighter side.
Babar Azam has faced intense scrutiny for his lack of runs in all six innings of the Australia tour. Expectations were high after relinquishing the captaincy, with many anticipating a resurgence in his batting performances. However, the consistent struggle has raised questions about his current form and ability to perform under pressure.
AUS vs PAK: Watch Babar Azam Has Fun During The SCG Test:
Cutie😂#AUSvPAK | #BabarAzam𓃵 pic.twitter.com/LaX3DBVNLg
— Sheraz (@its_SHERAZ_) January 5, 2024