Pat Cummins Leads Pakistan Top-order Collapse in Sydney
In the third Test match between Australia and Pakistan in Sydney, Pat Cummins proved to be the nemesis for the Pakistani top-order. Opting to bat first, Pakistan endured a disastrous start, losing four wickets in the opening session of the game. At lunch, they were reeling at 75 for four, with skipper Shan Masood on 32 and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan on 12. Pat Cummins, with his brilliant bowling, had already taken two wickets for just 16 runs from five overs.
Australia was determined to make this match special, as it would be the 37-year-old David Warner’s final Test match appearance in his home city. The team started the morning session aggressively, capitalizing on the batting woes of the Pakistani side.
Abdullah Shafique, Pakistan’s opener, fell prey to Mitchell Starc’s second ball in the very first over of the match. His loose drive resulted in a nicked catch for Steve Smith at second slip, leading to his dismissal without a single run on the scoreboard. Saim Ayub, who made his Test debut, also failed to impress and was caught behind by Alex Carey off Josh Hazlewood’s delivery after facing just two balls.
Although Babar Azam momentarily stabilized the situation with three beautiful cover drives for boundaries, his promising knock was cut short at 26 when Pat Cummins successfully appealed for an lbw decision through a review. With Azam’s dismissal, Pakistan was left struggling at 39 for three.
The collapse continued as Saud Shakeel, facing a fiery Cummins delivery, suffered a painful blow on the collarbone. In Cummins’ next over, Saud prodded a catch behind the stumps to Carey, departing for a mere five runs. Pakistan found themselves in a dire condition at 47 for four, with the Australian bowlers firmly in control of the match.
Australia, having already secured a series win in the previous Test in Melbourne, showed no signs of complacency. Their dominance in Sydney was evident as they aimed to clinch a clean sweep against Pakistan.
The match is poised for an exciting continuation, with Pakistan desperately needing a strong recovery to challenge the Australian team. The session after lunch will be crucial for both sides, as it could determine the course of the match.
The cricketing world awaits with bated breath to see if the Pakistani batsmen can resurrect their innings or if the Australian bowlers will continue to wreak havoc. Only time will tell how the rest of the day unfolds in this gripping Test match.
With Pat Cummins leading the charge, Australia’s hunt for victory in David Warner’s farewell match seems closer than ever.
