On Thursday, Pakistan showcased their prowess in dismantling Australia’s top order during the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mir Hamza played instrumental roles, each claiming two wickets as the Australian top order crumbled.
The formidable batting lineup of Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, David Warner, and Travis Head fell in quick succession. Despite facing a stern challenge, Pakistan fought hard to remain in contention after Pat Cummins, with a remarkable performance, secured five wickets to dismiss them for 264. Nathan Lyon complemented Cummins’ effort with figures of 4-73 as Pakistan’s tail wagged, narrowing the hosts’ first-innings lead to 54.
Cummins finished with 5-48, setting the stage for a challenging 15-minute morning session for the Australians. Unfortunately for them, they stumbled to 6-2 at lunch. Khawaja departed for a duck, caught behind by Mohammad Rizwan off Shaheen Shah Afridi. The same combination struck again just before lunch, with Labuschagne edging down the legside, departing for five. At the break, David Warner remained unbeaten on one.
Initially comfortable at 124-1 in pursuit of Australia’s first-innings total of 318, Pakistan faced a collapse to 194-6 in the final session on Wednesday, courtesy of an exceptional spell from Cummins.
The morning session on Thursday witnessed a delayed start due to drizzle. Pakistan resumed at 124 runs adrift, with Rizwan on 29 and Aamer Jamal not out on two. Despite a confident start from Rizwan, a crafty Cummins lured him into a drive, resulting in a catch to David Warner at cover.
Rizwan departed for 42, ending a 45-run partnership with Jamal, who showcased his shot-making abilities alongside new partner Afridi. Afridi displayed enterprise, hitting four boundaries before falling victim to Lyon’s spin, trapped lbw for 21.
Jamal continued to impress, hitting the ropes three times in six balls at one point, finishing unbeaten on 33. Cummins secured his fifth wicket by dismissing Hasan Ali for two, uprooting his off stump.
Lyon then contributed to Pakistan’s downfall by having Mir Hamza stumped for two, claiming his 505th Test wicket.