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Australia‘s skipper, Pat Cummins, delivered a stellar performance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), registering a 10-wicket haul as his team triumphed over Pakistan by 79 runs in the second Test. This victory also propelled Australia to an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Despite Pakistan initially showing promise with a score of 129/3 at tea on day 4 while chasing 317, they eventually succumbed to pressure and were all out for 237.
Alex Carey’s crucial half-century leads Australia to fighting score
On the final day, Australia, starting with a lead of 241, extended it beyond the 300-mark, with Alex Carey contributing 53 runs, marking his first half-century in the format since July. Cummins (16) played a pivotal role in supporting Australia’s tail but fell to a controversial lbw decision, challenged and upheld by the third umpire despite certain discrepancies in technology readings.
Pat Cummins’ magnificent bowling shatters Pakistan’s hope for a historic win
Chasing 317, Pakistan faced setbacks as openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq fell early to Mitchell Starc and Cummins. Despite captain Shan Masood‘s aggressive play, Cummins dismissed him for 60, leading to further wickets. Babar Azam provided hope, but Josh Hazlewood‘s delivery ended his innings on 41. Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha resisted, but Cummins persisted, securing crucial breakthroughs.
Mitchell Starc’s final blows seal the series
Rizwan’s dismissal, confirmed after a review, added to Pakistan’s woes. Cummins continued his dominance by further picking wickets of Shaheen Afridi and Aamer Jamal, securing his second ten-wicket haul in Test cricket. Starc’s contributions, including dismissing Salman and Mir Hamza, ultimately led Australia to victory in the ‘Benaud-Qadir Trophy.’ The last match of the series will be played in Sydney.
Also READ: Top 5 best ODI bowling figures in the year 2023
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Starc with two in two and Australia WIN by 79 runs!!!
Mitch Marsh with that let off, and the extras are where Pakistan lost the match #AUSvPAK
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 29, 2023
Pat Cummins in Test cricket is just peerless…. One of the all time greats
— Whyte Knight (@whyteknight07) December 29, 2023
pat cummins is the second best fast bowler for australia that i have ever seen. @cricketcomau only the great DK Lillee stands before him in my view #AUSvPAK
— Steven Wright (@smwright1965) December 29, 2023
For such a nice fellow, Pat Cummins is also the grinch for those who dare to dream about miracle wins for the opposition. Every time Pakistan have looked like having a chance, he’s come on & shut them up #AusvPak
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) December 29, 2023
Pat Cummins is enjoying the best year of his life. Superstar.
Stuff of dreams. 👏👏🔥 #PAKvsAUS— Ridhima Pathak (@PathakRidhima) December 29, 2023
Australia pacers wraps up Pakistan's innings in a hurry: https://t.co/i4peX7rUsl #cricket #AUSvPAK #BoxingDayTest #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/KgbP5XIGkq
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 29, 2023
Babar , imam ul Haq , Abdullah Shafique and saud Shakeel these are the frauds,Home track bully #AUSvPAK #PAKvAUS
— Waleed Yousuf 🇵🇸🇵🇰 (@WaleedYousuf18) December 29, 2023
It was good effort by Pakistan Team. They were competitive. #AUSvPAK
— Hina T. (@BeingHinaTariq) December 29, 2023
AUSTRALIA WIN THE TEST
AND THE SERIES #AUSvPAK
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 29, 2023
Babar Azam has a habit of failing when Pakistan need him most. In our most high profile series/ICC events, Babar has sadly failed more often than not.
— Haroon (@hazharoon) December 29, 2023
Australia take five wickets for 18 runs in 40 balls as Pakistan lose another heartbreaker in Australia.
16th successive defeat in this country, but what a Test match it was. #AUSvsPAK pic.twitter.com/7dgLvQl0Rq
— Danyal Rasool (@Danny61000) December 29, 2023
A well deserved victory for Australia and a well deserved defeat for Pakistan. #PAKvsAUS
— Mona Farooq Ahmad (@MonaChaudhryy) December 29, 2023
Series slips away as Pakistan tumbles, succumbing to a 2-0 defeat
Scoreboard: https://t.co/c51dyx8Xyj#PAKvsAUS #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/0xeWuoURvM
— Cricket Pakistan (@cricketpakcompk) December 29, 2023
Pakistan loses a test from winning position what a collapse but brilliant stuff from Australia what a come back. Blue eyes hypnotized them 😭
— Archer (@poserarcher) December 29, 2023