Pakistan missed another chance to break a 28-year drought for their first Test victory in Australia, falling to a 79-run defeat in the second match of the three-matach series in Melbourne on December 29. Despite dismissing Australia for 262 in their second innings, Pakistan's pursuit of the 317-run target started promisingly, led by a swift half-century from captain Shan Masood. However, following Masood's dismissal, the Men in Green faced a batting collapse, with Babar Azam's dismissal for 41 by Josh Hazlewood which swung the match in Australia's favor.
The innings wasn't without controversy, highlighted by a contentious moment during Pakistan's chase. In the 61st over, a delivery from Pat Cummins narrowly missed Mohammad Rizwan's inside edge. The Australian players' appeal was initially rejected by the on-field umpire, leading to a review by the Australian captain.
The third umpire, Richard Illingworth, signalled for a thorough review of Rizwan's dismissal. Despite the hotspot technology's inconclusive results, the snickometer came into play. It revealed that the ball had grazed Rizwan's wristband which led to the reversal of the on-field umpire's initial decision.
Rizwan, clearly shocked and upset by the decision, engaged in a heated exchange with the umpire, though the decision was ultimately upheld.
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Rizwan was the last hope for Pakistan as he was the last established batsman in visitors' batting lineup. Despite Agha Salman's valiant effort, the lower order failed to put on a fight. Australia took no time to wipe out Pakistan's tail as they didn't add any runs to the total, leading to Salman's dismissal for 50 as Pakistan's ninth wicket fell. This led to a complete annihilation of Pakistan's batting as they were bundled out for 237, thanks to Pat Cummins' splendid fifer and Mitchell Starc's exceptional four-fer. Riding on their triumph in the second Test, Australia took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, further cementing their supremacy in home Test series against Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the third and the final match of the series will be played from January 3, 2024 in Sydney.
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