Rizwan & Salman Mount Resilient Comeback following Challenging Start in Sydney Test

Rizwan and Salman Stage Impressive Comeback after Pakistan’s Rocky Start in Sydney Test

Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman showcased resilience, mounting a counter-attack to steer Pakistan back into contention on the opening day of the third Test against Australia in Sydney.

Initially struggling at 96 for five shortly after lunch, Rizwan and Salman forged a dynamic 94-run partnership, with Rizwan contributing significantly before falling for 88 just before tea.

At the break, Pakistan stood at 199 for six, with Salman at 36 and Sajid Khan at seven.

Rizwan, who had been omitted from the first Test, played aggressively, hitting two sixes and 10 fours off 103 balls before succumbing to a legside trap set by Pat Cummins.

Cummins, continuing his impactful performance in the series, took his third wicket of the innings by making the breakthrough just before tea.

Pakistan faced a challenging start after winning the toss, losing four wickets in the opening session, and skipper Shan Masood shortly after lunch for 35.

The Australians capitalized on the morning session, aiming to give a winning farewell to 37-year-old opening batsman David Warner in his final Test match in his home city.

The openers, Abdullah Shafique and debutant Saim Ayub, were dismissed within the first two overs. Shafique fell to Mitchell Starc’s second ball, while Ayub, making his Test debut, lasted only two balls, falling to a Hazlewood outswinger.

Despite the rocky start, Rizwan and Salman’s partnership showcased determination, and Pakistan managed to recover to some extent after a challenging morning session.