Pakistan vs Australia, 2nd Test: Babar, Shafique lead fightback
Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam have led Pakistan's fightback in the ongoing second Test versus Australia in Karachi. Resuming the day on 86/1, the Aussies declared soon thereafter (97/2). The Aussies set Pakistan a target of 506 to win the second Test. Pakistan, who were earlier dismissed for 148 on Day 3, have lost two wickets for 192 in the second innings.
How did Day 4 pan out?
Australia added 16 runs on Day 4 before declaring. Shaheen Afridi dismissed Marnus Labuschgane for 44 as Usman Khawaja remained unbeaten (44*). Pakistan started poorly once again, losing Imam-ul-Haq for one run before also seeing Azhar Ali depart for a 54-ball six. From there on, the likes of Shafique and Babar haven't allowed Australia to make further inroads.
Two early scalps for Australia
Nathan Lyon handed Australia the perfect start by pitching the ball up against Imam, who missed his forward defensive shot. The ball struck his pads and he was trapped LBW. Lyon claimed his wicket on both occasions in Karachi. Azhar was out LBW against a short of a length delivery around off. The ball kept low and there was lack of bounce
Shafique makes the Aussies pay
Steve Smith put down a regulation catch of Shafique in the 29th over. Shafique (71*) made the Aussie pay for the dropped catch, racing to a fine fifty. He played some terrific shots once settling in. He went on to shared 171 runs alongside Babar to resurrect Pakistan's innings. Shafique faced over 226 deliveries and defended well.
Sixth Test century for Babar
Pakistan captain Babar brought up a fine century on Day 4 of the second Test match. Coming in early, Babar looked positive from the onset. He dealt in boundaries, attacking the loose balls bowled to him. He was the aggressor of the two and kept the runs coming. Babar struck his sixth Test century (102*), besides going past the 2,600-run mark.
