WATCH: Mohammad Rizwan’s class celebrations in Karachi and reactions to Pakistan’s epic 4th innings effort vs Australia

The first Test between Australia and Pakistan in Rawalpindi was a damp squib and the nature of the track drew a lot of criticism. However, the second Test at the Karachi National Stadium turned out to be a closely-fought affair. With around two days left, the hosts were asked to chase a mammoth score of […]
 By Sabyasachi Chowdhury Mar 16, 2022, 20:18 IST
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WATCH: Mohammad Rizwan’s class celebrations in Karachi and reactions to Pakistan’s epic 4th innings effort vs Australia

The first Test between Australia and Pakistan in Rawalpindi was a damp squib and the nature of the track drew a lot of criticism. However, the second Test at the Karachi National Stadium turned out to be a closely-fought affair. With around two days left, the hosts were asked to chase a mammoth score of 506, thereby winning the game and taking a crucial 1-0 lead in the series.

The home team made a terrible start after losing the early wickets of Imam-ul-Haq and Azhar Ali, the two centurions of the Rawalpindi Test. From there on, Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam put on and unbeaten 171-run stand at stumps on Day four. The duo carried on and stitched together a partnership of 228 runs for the third wicket. But the rub of the green didn’t go Shafique’s way.

He got out to Pat Cummins after scoring 96 with six fours and a six. Babar Azam, who got a ton on the penultimate day, was a tad unlucky as well after missing his maiden Test double ton by a whisker. The right-hander scored 196 before Lyon accounted for his wicket. Fawad Alam couldn’t make much of an impact after getting out to Cummins. From there on Mohammad Rizwan took charge.

Mohammad Rizwan holds his nerve

Rizwan, who bats in the middle order in Test cricket, put his best foot forward. The 29-year-old stayed unbeaten on 104 runs off 177 balls with 11 fours and one six. To start with, he cobbled together a partnership of 115 runs with skipper Babar. After the Lahore-born Babar perished, the onus was mostly on Rizwan to see the team through to safety and salvage a draw.

Rizwan didn’t get much support from Faheem Ashraf, who got out for a golden duck. But he got the apt support from Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali, who both played out 28 crucial balls. Lyon was the pick of the Aussie bowlers as he picked up four wickets.

Mitchell Swepson, who made his Test debut in Karachi, toiled hard for 53.4 overs, but couldn’t churn out a wicket. In the meantime, the fans lauded Rizwan and other Pakistan batters for their masterful knocks under pressure on Day five.

Here’s how the netizens reacted to Pakistan’s chase against Australia

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