On Day 3, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith continued their partnership, adding over 70 runs to Australia’s overnight score, placing them in a comfortable position. However, their fortunes swiftly changed as they fell in quick succession within eight balls, leaving Australia struggling at 187/4 in their pursuit of a first-innings total of 313.
Smith fell victim to Shan Masood’s clever maneuver using catching covers, while Marnus encountered a near-unplayable delivery for which he could hardly fault himself.
Salman Agha Ali took charge of the ball for the 75th over, maintaining a tight spell. He initiated with a harmless delivery at the stumps easily defended by the batsman. Yet, his subsequent delivery was a beautifully flighted ball outside the off-stump, enticing Marnus into a defensive stroke.
Unexpectedly, the Kookaburra landed perfectly on a rough patch created by footmarks, astonishingly spinning sharply, sneaking through the minuscule gap between bat and pad, and dismantling the stumps, dismissing the well-set 29-year-old.
Marnus, having worked hard for his 60 runs, appeared bewildered, shifting his gaze between the pitch and the disturbed stumps, while the off-spinner reveled in celebration.
The dream off-spinner's delivery! ✨
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2024
Salman Ali Agha gets one to RIP to bowl Marnus Labuschagne.#PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance | #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/ZWsL2KPt5x
Later analyses via broadcast graphics revealed that the red cricket ball had spun an astonishing 9.2 degrees, leading to the perfect dismissal for an off-spinner, sparking significant commotion and discussion on Twitter.