Australia regained control of the Boxing Day Test during the final session of Day 2, seizing two rapid wickets after Pakistan had valiantly fought their way back into contention, managing to surpass 120 runs with only one wicket lost while chasing a first-innings total of 318.
Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique had appeared composed during their partnership of 90 runs in the afternoon session, despite facing some menacing spells from the hosts. Yet, Pat Cummins’ exceptional catch off his own bowling dismissed Shafique for 62, altering the game’s momentum.
Amid accolades for the skipper’s crucial breakthrough, Cummins elevated the excitement with a remarkable contender for the ball of the year. Cummins engaged in a tactical battle against the newly arrived Babar Azam, opening with a couple of short deliveries on a precise line, compelling the former Pakistan captain to defend from the back foot.
Setting the stage, the right-arm fast bowler executed the decisive move, pitching the subsequent delivery slightly fuller on the fourth stump. This lured Babar forward, only for the ball to sharply deviate, sneaking between the bat and pads with astonishing accuracy, rattling the timber.
UNBELIEVABLE!
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2023
Pat Cummins gets rid of Babar Azam again – with another BEAUTY! #OhWhatAFeeling @Toyota_Aus #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/iXQ6M7E10l
Babar stood bewildered, gazing at the pitch in sheer amazement, while Cummins celebrated with a victorious fist pump. Shortly after Masood’s dismissal, Pakistan found themselves at 147/4, prompting Twitter users to applaud Cummins for initiating a potentially game-changing collapse.