• Pakistan managed to post 313 runs in their first innings against Australia on Day 1 of the Sydney Test.

  • Mohammad Rizwan and Aamer Jamal were the stars for Pakistan with the bat.

Twitter reactions: Mohammad Rizwan, Aamer Jamal lead Pakistan’s resurgence after early setbacks on Day 1 of SCG Test- AUS vs PAK 2023-24
Mohammad Rizwan and Aamer Jamal (Image Source: Twitter)

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Despite a challenging start on the first day of the third Test at Sydney on Wednesday (January 3), Pakistan managed to post a total of 313 runs in their first innings. Pat Cummins played a pivotal role in early setbacks for Pakistan, capitalizing on their struggles in the first two sessions of the opening day. However, resilient performances from wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan (88) and Aamer Jamal (82) allowed the visitors to mount a comeback, in spite of Cummins achieving his consecutive third five-fer in as many innings. As for Australia, they closed the day at 6/0 with only one over bowled.

Mohammad Rizwan’s flourish and Pat Cummins’ dominance

Earlier, facing the formidable Australian pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, Pakistan’s top order struggled, losing both openers for ducks. Cummins wreaked havoc, dismissing Babar Azam (26) with a fiery inswinger and quickly removing Saud Shakeel (5).

Nevertheless, Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha (53) showcased resilience, counter-attacking the Australian bowlers to construct a vital 94-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Rizwan, in particular, displayed fluent strokes but fell victim to Cummins, missing out on a well-deserved century. Cummins, continuing his impressive form, seemed poised for another five-wicket haul as he dismantled the lower order.

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Aamer Jamal and Mir Hamza’s remarkable last-wicket stand

Yet, the unexpected resilience of the last-wicket duo, Jamal and Mir Hamza, surpassed all expectations. Jamal’s essential boundaries and Hamza’s unwavering defensive prowess became apparent. The last -wicket partnership created frustration among the Australian bowlers, accentuated by a couple of dropped catches off Jamal. The tenacious partnership concluded when Jamal was caught in the deep off Nathan Lyon after contributing 82 runs.

Regardless of  the challenges, Pakistan’s determined effort resulted in a competitive total on the scoreboard. Australia’s openers encountered only one challenging over before play was halted for the day.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Also READ: Australia veteran Glenn McGrath predicts the bowler who can surpass his Test wickets tally

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CATEGORY: Australia Featured Mohammad Rizwan Pakistan Twitter Reactions

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