Pakistan’s Batting Struggles: Four Down in Australia Run Chase

Mitchell Marsh dismissed the key player Babar Azam, while Nathan Lyon claimed his 498th Test wicket, leading to a mini-collapse for Pakistan in the initial Test at Perth on Saturday.

As the third day reached lunch, Pakistan found themselves at 203-6, with Saud Shakeel not out at 12 and Agha Salman at four, trailing by 284 runs.

Starting the day at 132-2, Pakistan had established a solid foundation in pursuit of Australia’s first-innings score of 487. However, they struggled against Australia’s formidable bowling attack.

Stoic opener Imam-ul-Haq, resuming at 38, and debutant nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad, on seven, started the day following skipper Shan Masood’s dismissal just before stumps on Friday.

Shahzad, making his debut, lasted only two balls before Pat Cummins removed his middle stump in the first over with a full and straight delivery.

Babar Azam, in his 50th Test, faced 13 balls cautiously before scoring his first run with a cover drive to the ropes off Cummins.

While facing a potent seam attack on a pitch heated by the sun, Azam managed to add another boundary in Cummins’ next over.

However, Mitchell Marsh’s introduction into the attack proved crucial as he dismissed Azam for 21. The former captain edged one to the wicketkeeper, Alex Carey, triggering a mini-collapse.

Imam-ul-Haq, after reaching a resilient 62, was stumped when Nathan Lyon returned to the attack, charging down the wicket and missing the ball, leading to Carey whipping off the bails.

Sarfaraz Ahmed (3) lasted only six balls, falling victim to Mitchell Starc’s swinging delivery that sent the stumps flying.

The narrative underscores Pakistan’s ongoing challenge in winning Test matches in Australia, with their last victory on Australian soil dating back to 1995.