The Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground entered a pivotal phase during Tea on Day 4. Pakistan found themselves 188 runs shy of the 317-run target, holding onto seven wickets, with skipper Babar Azam in an impressive form.
Despite a promising position, their missed opportunities earlier in the day allowed the Aussies to significantly extend their lead, frustrating the visitors.
The turning point came in the 75th over when Pat Cummins skillfully drove a delivery by Aamer Jamaal, resulting in a swift double alongside Alex Carey. However, a lack of coordination in Pakistan’s fielding allowed the ball to evade the stumps, despite Shaheen Afridi’s presence nearby.
In a desperate attempt, Afridi tried to stop the ball, but it slipped through towards the midwicket boundary, chased by Imam-ul-Haq. Cummins and Carey capitalized on the confusion, sneaking in three additional runs, and it appeared they might have secured a sixth run if not for the delay in the ball’s return to the pitch.
Have you seen this before? An all-run FIVE (with help from overthrows, of course)! #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/gHxwJih45d
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 29, 2023
Criticism flooded social media as Pakistan’s costly mistake in conceding these runs at a crucial juncture drew ire from fans, considering every addition to the target a significant setback. Meanwhile, neutral observers found amusement in the unexpected turn of events.