Australia vs Pakistan: Day 2 of Test 3, Pakistan replies firmly to Australia's 391
The exciting second day's play at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Abdullah Shafique and Azhar Ali safely parking Pakistan at 90 for a loss of 1 wicket. Pakistan is trailing with 301 runs at the end of day 2.
Image credit: pia.images.co.uk David Warner taken out by Shaheen AfridiBounce back from Pakistan bowlers
The day resumed from Australia's inning of 232/5. Australia dominated the first session as Alex Carey, and Cameron Green completed their 135-runs partnership off 234 balls. Cameroon Green (79) and Alex Carey (67) both played crucial innings for their team. After a lot of hard work, Nauman Ali got the breakthrough in the form of Alex Carey. With the breaking of this partnership, Pakistan bowlers bounced back into the game. Naseem Shah, like yesterday evening, exhibited reverse swings. He had an economy rate of 1.87 runs. He not only squeezed batters of their runs, but also took four crucial wickets in the first inning, of which two were taken on day 1. Shaheen Shah Afridi shared the feat of four wickets with Naseem Shah. Their bowling left Australia short to 391, especially when they were playing strongly at 341/5 during one stage.
Big lead to cross for Pakistan
With a lead of 391 to cover, Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique opened the innings for Pakistan. However, Australian skipper Pat Cummins trapped an early wicket of Imam-ul-Haq in front. This was the only wicket fallen in 39 overs. A couple of half-chances didn't go to hand, and Abdullah Shafique got lucky to survive, as did Azhar Ali. Pakistan somehow crawled to reach 90 for 1.
With plenty of chances for results with three days to go, hosts now stand trailing by 301 runs. With such a difficult surface to bat on, any chase would not be easy. It looks like finally, we might get an actual winner this match.