AUS vs PAK [WATCH]: Pakistan captain Shan Masood falls victim to Pat Cummins’ brilliance on Day 4 of MCG Test

In a finely poised second Test at the MCG, Australia‘s Pat Cummins secured a crucial breakthrough by removing Pakistan‘s Shan Masood for a determined 60 on Day 4.

A tussle between captains

The captains, Masood and Cummins, engaged in an intriguing battle, trading blows in a session of play that kept the game on a knife’s edge. Masood, in partnership with Babar Azam, attacked the Australian bowling, scoring at more than four runs an over in the post-lunch period. However, Cummins eventually found the breakthrough, inducing an edge from Masood to the slip cordon. At Tea, Azam guided Pakistan to 129/3 alongside Saud Shakeel, with a target of 188 runs remaining.

Pat Cummins’ artistry: The wicket of Shan Masood

In the 27th over of Pakistan’s second innings, Cummins showcased his skill and precision. Gathering pace with focused eyes on the target, Cummins maintained a steady head, delivering the ball at a slightly shorter length. The ball exhibited a subtle hint of wobble outside off. Masood, attempting to lunge forward and push at the delivery, produced an edge that traveled directly into the waiting hands of Steve Smith in the slips. It marked a decisive moment as Cummins emerged victorious in the battle, dismissing the well-fought Pakistan captain.

Here’s the video:

Who else but Pat Cummins?#PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance | #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/SHlsM0Tc0u

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 29, 2023

Also READ: AUS vs PAK: Mitchell Marsh reflects on falling short of a ‘Boxing day’ Test hundred at MCG

Pakistan’s bowling brilliance in restricting Australia

In the morning session, the Pakistani bowlers showcased their artistry as the hosts were bundled out for 262 in their second innings, having resumed the day at 187/6. Mir Hamza stood out as the best among the bowlers, securing figures of 4/32, while Shaheen Afridi contributed significantly with 4/76. Alex Carey‘s impressive knock of 53 played a pivotal role in helping Australia build their overnight lead and set a competitive target of 317 for Pakistan.

Openers fail in providing Pakistan a good start

In response, opener Abdullah Shafique departed for four during a tricky session before lunch, caught by Usman Khawaja in the slips off Mitchell Starc following a period of intense pressure. Imam-ul-Haq survived the initial blitz but was no match after the break for Cummins, who sent down a probing ball that nipped back and trapped him lbw for 12. Now the task is on the shoulders of other batters to take the side to their first victory on Australian soil since 1995 and level the series ahead of the final match.

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