Pakistan’s struggles against Australia in Test matches on Australian soil continued as they suffered a defeat by 79 runs in Melbourne, extending their winless streak. In pursuit of a challenging target of 317 runs, Pakistan faltered and were eventually bowled out for 237 on the fourth day.
Despite some resistance from Babar Azam (41) and Shan Masood (60) following the early dismissals of openers, the team couldn’t sustain their momentum. Mohammad Rizwan (35) and Agha Salman (50) made notable contributions, but the tail-enders failed to add any significant runs.
Australia, after a shaky start at 16 for four on the preceding day, found stability through a resilient 153-run partnership between Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith. This partnership allowed Australia, starting the day at 187-6, to reach a competitive total of 262 before lunch on day four.
Alex Carey’s determined half-century with a score of 52 further strengthened Australia’s lead before he was dismissed by seamer Mir Hamza (4-32), bringing an end to Australia’s innings.
Pakistan, having scored 264 in their first innings, faced a daunting task against the formidable form of Pat Cummins and the Australian pace attack. This defeat follows their loss in the first test of the three-match series in Perth, where Pakistan was dismissed for 89 in the fourth innings, resulting in Australia’s victory by a massive 360 runs.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the venue for the recent match, has seen historic moments, with England’s 332 in 1928-29 standing as the highest successful fourth-innings run chase. However, Pakistan couldn’t replicate such a feat, succumbing to Australia’s bowling attack and facing another setback in their quest for victory on Australian soil.
