Australia in Pakistan Day 4: Result now reduced to 278 runs vs 10 wickets

Bold declaration at 351 by skipper Pat Cummins

Australia started the day by continuing to add to their 134-run lead established on the end of Day 3. Usman Khawaja and David Warner gave Australia a sturdy start. Both the batters were in their bonafide form until Shaheen Shah Afridi broke their 170-ball partnership by dismissing David Warner at 51. Later Marnus Labuschagne steadied his pairing with Usman Khawaja who has been magnificent in this complete series. Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith both got out early while Usman Khawaja still held his foot strong on the ground. He helped Australia put a lead of 351 runs for Pakistan and remained 104 not out when captain Pat Cummins made a bold decision to declare the innings with the lead of 351. Steve Smith toppled another Test batting record as he became the fastest batsman to complete 8,000 test runs. 

Unscathed Pakistan openers 

Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq opened the innings for Pakistan post declaration by Australia. They both stood rock solid throughout the final session for the day and returned to the pavilion unscathed. Their 73-run partnership in 162 balls brought Pakistan in a better spot and left Cummins wondering about the decision to declare. Australian bowlers did create a few chances to dismiss the duo but Steven Smith had a challenging time on the field in the catching department. Australia will be a bit disheartened with their bowling and fielding performance but they still have plenty of runs to defend on the final day and with the ball that reversed pretty late in the innings would play a key role tomorrow. 

Final day: 278 runs vs 10 wickets 

With 73 runs already made, Pakistan has well reduced the target below 300 for the final day. Thrilling the final day with all the three results possible. While cricketing fans will be disappointed to see a series drowning to a draw match and will be desperate to see one side as a winner. Both teams will be trying their best to get a result. The main weapon, reverse swing, will play a major role on the final day. Scoring could become more difficult with the old ball looking at the pitch conditions. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins will be a big threat for the Pakistan batsman. For Pakistan, there is a long in-form batting line-up in the form of Babar Azam, Azhar Ali, and Mohammad Rizwan. This batting line-up can either drag this match to a draw or a win for them.

All the eyes will be tomorrow on Day 5 as a long tour will finally be giving a come to a result. Pakistan will commence Day 5 with the target of 278 runs to win, where as Australia will be eyeing to scalp all 10 wickets of the hosts to clinch the series win.