The Pat Cummins-led Australia produced a clinical Day 4 performance to beat Pakistan by 79 runs in the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Friday. The fighting win also helped the ICC World Test Championship trophy holders take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. (Scorecard | Cricket News)
Aussie skipper Cummins claimed five wickets and 10 in the match as the home side won by 79 runs after an extended final session on day 4. Pakistan were set a target of 317 and skipper Shan Masood scored a blistering 60 whereas Agha Salman (50) and Babar Azam (41) too contributed.
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Despite Pakistan's valiant effort, the Men In Green could not reach the target and eventually fell short.
While Pakistan might have been outwitted in the first Two Test matches, there have been moments of banter and show of skill set in between the game here and there.
Former skipper Steve Smith could be heard on the match mic telling the current one Cummins to 'go for the kill' and the very next ball, the lanky pacer claimed a caught and bowled.
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Furthermore, former Pakistan cricket team skipper and Smith were seen coversing in a hilarious banter during the second Test on Day 4.
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As Babar was taking his guard, Smith decided to engage in some 'friendly' banter with the Pakistani batter. Babar, hearing Smith's words, decided to hand out his bat to Smith, with the latter folding his hands following Babar's gesture.
Post-match, Cummins and Masood reflected on the match and what could have been for the vistors.
"We have to look at the bigger picture. The smiles are that there are a lot of positives," said Pakistan captain Masood.
"This is the way we want to play Test cricket, fighting until the end and a result was possible for us. A lot to work on. But this is a blueprint."
"Little bit twitchy, felt okay but they were batting pretty nicely," said Cummins.
"Anything with a three in front of it was the aim, so we got that," he added of the target they wanted to set Pakistan. "Felt like we had enough to bowl at but a little bit tight."
