Pakistan steadily built partnerships on Day 4 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, closing in on Australia’s target of 317 runs. As the day neared its end, the required runs diminished to under 100, positioning the visitors to potentially secure victory on the final day with five wickets in hand.
Both Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Aghi Ali appeared confident at the crease until skipper Pat Cummins intervened late, dealing a potentially decisive blow despite contentious circumstances leading to Rizwan’s dismissal.
Rizwan, having scored 35 runs in the 62nd over, faced Cummins’ challenging spell. Cummins relied on aggressive bouncers that troubled the batter, culminating in a delivery that unexpectedly rose and struck Rizwan’s arm. Despite Rizwan’s attempt to evade the delivery, the ball deflected off his arm into Alex Carey’s gloves.
The on-field umpire initially stood firm despite visible signs of impact on Rizwan’s forearm. Following deliberation and Rizwan’s visible discomfort, Cummins reluctantly opted to review the decision. The review revealed the ball had grazed Rizwan’s glove strap.
Wicket 250 for Pat Cummins! 🎉
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 29, 2023
The third umpire decided the ball flicked Mohammad Rizwan's sweatband on the way through. #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance | #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/vTuDL5DmNB
Despite unclear evidence, the third umpire deemed the arm band as part of Rizwan’s gloves, resulting in the batter being declared out. Rizwan, disbelieving and unwilling to accept the decision, engaged in a heated discussion with the on-field officials before reluctantly leaving the field. His departure sparked controversy among cricket enthusiasts due to the contentious nature of the dismissal.