Pakistan within touching distance of a Test Match victory against Australia
Pakistan closes in on their first test victory against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 looks set to beat Australia in the Test at Leeds. Pakistan will require another 40 runs on the fourth day of the test match to seal the deal.
Pakistan started the third day on a high note when their star bowler, Mohammad Aamer, picked up wickets early in the day. Australian bowling all rounder Steven Smith provided some cushion to Australian lead when he scored 77 runs late in the innings. Aussies managed to stretch their total to 349 runs in the second innings.
Pakistan, who was favourites in the Sydney Test in a similar situation, had failed to chase a modest target. When Australia posted a target of 180, it looked like a Déjà vu situation for Pakistan. Captain Salman Butt and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Imran-c64193 Farhat opened the innings in hope of taking revenge for Sydney.
The openers looked confident and runs started to leak. But Pakistan lost their inform captain at the score of 27. Aussies sensed a chance to change the course of the match but Azhar Ali and Imran Farhat’s 110 run stand for the second wicket placed Pakistan in a comfortable situation. Shane http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Watson-c96326 was the culprit when he dropped Farhat’s catch in the first slip. Imran was only on 4 runs when he was dropped. Farhat fully capitalized on a missed catch opportunity and went on to score a crucial 67 runs. Later, Australian pacer, Bollinger bowled Farhat with a brilliant toe crushing yorker.
Umar Amin failed to score anything before getting out on Bollinger’s delivery. Two wickets in a the space of five minutes provided a little hope to the Australian captain. Pakistan requires another 40 runs on the third day while the Australian captain will have to pick up seven wickets.
When the clock showed 6.30, Pakistani players did not opt for another half an hour despite the fact that Ponting was willing to bowl. It was a wise decision by the Pakistani batsmen since they had just lost two wickets and the Australian bowlers looked in good rhythm. Australian bowlers will now have to find their line and length very quickly if they are to stand a chance in the second test match.
Pakistan just requires another 40 runs with seven wickets in hand. It will be a real shame for Pakistani cricketers if they fail to chase this target since they are well positioned for victory. Pakistani batsman will definitely feel some pressure since they have not seen any test victory against Australia for the last 15 years.
Ricky Ponting must be cursing himself for his decision to bat first in difficult conditions. Ricky was heavily criticised by the Australian media for his decision that has almost cost them a test defeat. Some may write off this defeat as a bad toss decision, but honestly it was a breath taking bowling display from Pakistani bowlers in the first innings that caused all the problems. Ponting was also criticised for his batting first decision in the Sydney test but he was lucky to get away with a victory. From the looks of the Headingley scoreboard it seems that Ponting will have to face the music this time.
Pakistan is on the brink of ending their drought against Australia. It will really take some extraordinary stupidity from Pakistani players to lose from this position. Azhar Ali and Umar Akmal will start their innings from where they left at the end of the day. Ali is not out on 47 and has played a flawless innings so far. The young talent held his nerves well and negotiated every bowler with a lot of class. His 47 came from 107 balls. Umar Akmal on the other hand is on 2 runs and needs to hold his nerves.
Australian spinner Steven Smith still thinks they have a chance of winning this match if they can pick up early wickets on day four. Imran Farhat however feels the game may not be over yet, but their team is in a very strong position. Pakistan is in touching distance to end Australia’s 13 match winning streak. A victory will surely be a confidence booster for Pakistan as they will play against England on 29th July.
Tags: