Visitors declared their second innings on 97, asking the hosts to survive 172 overs
KARACHI
Captain Babar Azam hit a blistering ton of 102* on Tuesday, the fourth day of second test match between Pakistan and Australia, giving a ray of hope to green-caps.
Australia had declared their second innings at 97-2, setting an enormous target of 506 runs for Pakistan, with more than one and a half day remaining.
At the earliest of their second innings, Pakistan lost both Imam-ul-Haq (1) and Azhar Ali (6), putting the middle order in shackles.
From 21-2, young gun Abdullah Shafique and classy Babar Azam took Pakistan ahead, and posted a partnership of 171*. Both the top order batsmen Showed immense confidence in their defence and deflated the bowlers. Babar was outstanding with his shot selection and feet movement at the crease. He had answers to every length and line the Aussies bowled at him.
“This knock means a lot to me, the team needed it. Fortunately I have managed to get a good partnership with Shafique. The match is not over yet, so we need to continue playing in the same way, and the other batters also need to step up. After the first innings, we practiced in the nets how to counter their reverse swing, just that we need to play slightly late,” said Babar after the day’s game concluded.
Pakistan concluded day four at 192-2, with skipper Babar Azam at 102* and Abdullah Shafique at elegant 71*.
Its all set for an exciting day 5 now, with 314 well within Pakistan batters’ reach, and wicket not crumbling much as well. Australia need one good spell from any of their leading bowlers to cash on.
