In a riveting display of skill and determination, Captain Pat Cummins orchestrated Australia's series win over Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, securing a 79-run victory with his exceptional performance, clinching a ten-wicket haul in the match.
Despite suffering a heavy defeat in the first Test, Pakistan exhibited a significantly improved performance in Melbourne. Agha Salman and Mohammad Rizwan's partnership posed a challenge, hinting at a potential turnaround in the game. However, Cummins' return to the attack proved pivotal as he claimed crucial wickets, including Rizwan, who fell on review for Cummins' milestone 250th Test wicket.
In a commendable feat, Cummins dismissed Aamer Jamal and Shaheen Shah Afridi, attaining a ten-wicket haul in Tests, a distinction achieved by only one other Australia captain, Allan Border.
Australia's Mitchell Starc further intensified the pressure by securing quick dismissals, ultimately ensuring their hard-earned victory. With this win, Australia climbed to third place in the WTC points table, while Pakistan slipped to fifth.
The upcoming New Year Test at Sydney on January 3 presents Australia with an opportunity to accumulate more points against Pakistan, further strengthening their standing.
In the game's earlier stages, Australia, starting at 187/6, stretched their lead to 241 runs, led by Alex Carey's resilient 53, aided by contributions from the tailenders. Despite notable performances from Pakistan's Shaheen (4-76) and Hamza (4-32), Australia managed 262 in their second innings.
Setting a formidable target of 317, Australia's early strikes dismissed Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq. However, partnerships between Masood-Babar and later Rizwan-Salman showcased Pakistan's resilience. Cummins and Hazlewood, with crucial breakthroughs, disrupted Pakistan's progress.
Cummins' spectacular spell dismantled Pakistan's lower order, with Starc sealing the win by restricting them to 237. Cummins was rightly awarded the Player of the Match for his exceptional ten-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 10/97 in the game.
Brief scores:
Australia 318 and 262 (Mitchell Marsh 96, Alex Carey 53, Mir Hamza 4-32, Shaheen Shah Afridi 4-76) beat Pakistan 264 and 237 (Shan Masood 60, Agha Salman 50, Pat Cummins 5-49, Mitchell Starc 4-55) by 79 runs
(With Agency Inputs)
