Sydney, 4 January, 2024 (GNP): Pakistan displayed remarkable resilience on the opening day of the third Test against Australia, salvaging their innings from a precarious position to reach a commendable 313, courtesy of valiant performances by Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, and Aamer Jamal.
After a shaky start, finding themselves at 96 for five, Pakistan’s spirited fightback at the Sydney Cricket Ground turned the tables against the Australians.
Mohammad Rizwan led the charge with a blistering 88 off 103 deliveries, while Agha Salman contributed a solid 53 off 67 balls, and Aamer Jamal displayed remarkable grit with a spirited 82 off 97 deliveries, bolstering Pakistan’s innings and revitalizing their hopes.
In response, Australia’s final moments were tense, with David Warner surviving a scare in the last over and ending the day at six runs in Australia’s reply of 6-0.
Also Read: BRICS expands: Saudi Arabia officially joins the bloc
Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, showcased his prowess with the ball, claiming an impressive five-wicket haul, securing figures of 5 for 61, marking his third consecutive five-wicket haul in the series.
The day started in jubilation for Australia but turned into frustration as Pakistan’s lower order fought fiercely to resurrect their innings after a dismal start.
Despite a formidable morning session for Australia, Pakistan’s determined tail-enders, led by Rizwan and Salman, turned the tide with a resilient 94-run partnership, defying the Australian attack.
Rizwan’s aggressive innings, comprising two sixes and ten fours, ended when he fell into a legside trap set by Cummins, posting the highest individual score by a Pakistani batsman in the series.
Agha Salman’s crucial half-century and Aamer Jamal’s resilient innings further fortified Pakistan’s recovery, showcasing their fighting spirit against the Australian bowling attack.
Australia holds a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after clinching a tense 79-run victory in the second Test in Melbourne over Christmas.
