Australia vs Pakistan: A thrilling Day 4 as Pakistan fight back

It felt like Australia was in control when they brought Pakistan to 21/2 early in the game after giving a massive target of 506, but Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam dropped their anchors.

The sturdy defense followed by confident shots deflated the Australian bowlers. 

Babar’s awaited ton and solid partnership

Pakistan skipper breaks his century drought as the classy knock was Azam’s first Test century since February 2020. He is currently playing at 102* and was outstanding as usual with his shot selection and feet movement at the crease.

He had answers to every length and line the Aussies bowled at him. Shafique was an able partner holding one end with strength playing at 71 facing 226 balls. Australia couldn't land a single punch in 52.4 overs as the partnership between the duo now stands at 171.

Babar Azam said, “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”

New ball: The best chance for Aussies?

It was a dominant first session from Australia as they didn’t concede a single run in the opening 25 balls of Pakistan’s second innings. The hosts went into lunch at 1/18 after 21 overs and within 8 balls Pakistan lost their second wicket as well in the form of Azhar Ali.

The Karachi pitch hasn't crumbled much and the middle part is still good for batting. Australia tried it their all in the last session of the day but just couldn’t find the breakthrough. Mitchell Swepson was excellent, he was the only one who troubled a bit but Babar Azam tackled him impressively well. Nathan Lyon was good but not penetrative enough to strike a wicket.

However, the good thing for the Aussies is that now they have the new ball and will come fresh on Day 5. The wicket is expected to deteriorate even more but they’ll need to break this partnership early. The new ball is their best chance.

A lot of thrill awaits for Day 5

Pakistan needs 314 runs to win which is definitely gettable in 90 overs. Australia couldn't land a single punch as the partnership now stands at 171. Will it be the same story tomorrow as Australia begins the final day two overs into the second new ball? All results are in play.

Australia didn't find much reverse swing with their first new ball, but they have just taken the second new ball and a lot depends on how much reverse swing they get. Can Pakistan drag this to the last session on Day 5? A lot of thrill awaits for Day 5 tomorrow.