News by “Sana Ullah“
In the gripping Melbourne Test, the left-arm fast bowling pair of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mir Hamza made a significant impact against the seasoned Australian batting lineup. Displaying their prowess, both bowlers claimed three wickets each, leaving Australia struggling at 187-6 by stumps, in response to Pakistan’s 264.
The third day began with Pakistan resuming from 194-6, with Mohammad Rizwan and Aamir Jamal at the crease. Despite a resilient 45-run stand, Australia’s Pat Cummins managed an early breakthrough, dismissing Rizwan. Aamir and Shaheen’s 25-run partnership further chipped away at the deficit before Nathan Lyon trapped Shaheen LBW at 240-8.
Cummins completed a five-wicket haul by dismissing Hasan Ali, and Lyon wrapped up the innings as Pakistan concluded at 264 in 73.5 overs. In response, Shaheen’s early brilliance with the new ball had Australia reeling at 16-4, claiming the wickets of Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne.
Mir Hamza’s double-wicket maiden, including the key dismissals of David Warner and Travis Head, reduced Australia to 16-4. However, Steven Smith and Mitchell Marsh orchestrated a remarkable recovery with a 153-run partnership. Hamza broke the stand by dismissing Marsh for 96, denying him a century.
Smith’s gritty half-century came to an end as he fell into Shaheen’s trap, with Salman Ali Agha taking the catch. The day concluded with Australia at 187-6, led by Mitchell Marsh’s 96. Wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey remained unbeaten as Australia led by 241 runs.
As day four approaches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Test hangs in the balance with both teams poised for further intense action.
