Australia defeated Pakistan 199/4 on Friday at Sydney Cricket Ground following the conclusion of the first session of the third day thanks to a 60-run knock from Marnus Labuschagne. With Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head (6*) at 199/4 at lunch, the hosts are behind by 114 runs. Pakistan’s bowling attack demonstrated discipline in the first session of the third day, conceding just 83 runs and taking two wickets. In the morning in Sydney, Shan Masood’s team also bowled five straight maiden overs without giving up a single run.
Despite the fact that Steven Smith (38 runs from 86 balls) and Labuschagne (60 runs from 147 balls) formed a strong partnership to move the Australians up in the rankings. The partnership was broken when Agha Salman removed Labuschagne in the 75th over, following Mir Hamza’s dismissal of Smith in the 74th over. In the third Test match, the Australians will now depend on Head and Marsh in the hopes of forming a partnership that will move them up the ladder. Recalling the second day of the Test match, it was decided by the rain to call off the stumps early after just 46 overs were bowled.
Australia’s score at the time of Stumps was 116/2, trailing by 197 runs, with Steve Smith (6) and Marnus Labuschagne (23) both undefeated at the wicket. Australia’s response was slow but steady, adding just 110 to the overnight deficit despite losing both set openers due to Pakistan’s primarily controlled bowling. Usman Khawaja, an Australian batsman, was removed by Aamer Jamal shortly before the second session ended, leaving Australia at 116/2. Soon after, it began to rain, which made it less likely that the final session would begin on time.
