Australia vs Pakistan 3rd Test: Warner - The Hero as Aussies complete Pakistan whitewash

Australia vs Pakistan 3rd Test LIVE Score, Day 4: Australia’s cricket dominance in home conditions persists as they clinch a resounding 3-0 series victory against Pakistan. Despite Pakistan showing glimpses of competitiveness in this match, they faltered at critical junctures, mirroring their earlier performance at the MCG. The elusive victory on Australian soil continues to evade them, with their last Test win Down Under dating back to 1995 in Sydney.

Opting to bat after winning the toss, Pakistan found themselves in dire straits at 47/4, courtesy of the formidable trio of Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins. A counter-attacking innings of 88 runs from Rizwan, coupled with a half-century from Salman, provided some stability to the innings. However, Cummins, with his incisive bowling, dismantled the lower order.

A commendable effort from the impressive Aamer Jamal turned the tide for Pakistan. His scintillating knock of 82 runs off 97 balls, supported by a resilient 84-run partnership with the No. 11 batsman, Hamza, propelled Pakistan past the 300-run mark. Despite the valiant effort, Australia’s bowling, led by Cummins, proved too strong, ultimately securing a comprehensive victory and sealing the whitewash.

Australia vs Pakistan: Morning session

In a riveting turn of events on Day 4 of the third Test between Australia and Pakistan, Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins orchestrated a brilliant display to dismantle the Pakistani lineup. Mohammad Rizwan and Aamer Jamal, the last line of defense for Pakistan, faced an early assault as the visitors resumed their second innings at 68 for 7, holding a meager lead of 82 runs.

Despite a promising start from Rizwan and Jamal, who added 42 runs for the eighth wicket, the Pakistani innings crumbled under the relentless pressure from the Australian bowlers. The surface at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) showcased unpredictable behavior with rough patches causing variable bounce and sharp spin.

Pakistan’s hopes of setting a challenging total for Australia rested on the shoulders of Rizwan and Jamal, both of whom delivered commendable performances in the first innings with scores of 88 and 82, respectively.

Josh Hazlewood, the quick Australian pacer, ignited the early spark by claiming crucial wickets in the opening overs of the day. Despite a cautious start, Jamal managed to find the boundary, displaying resilience against Hazlewood’s attack.

Rizwan, on the other hand, took risks against Lyon but found success when dealing with part-time spinner Travis Head. Jamal’s confidence shone through as he executed a reverse sweep off Lyon, contributing to Pakistan’s lead crossing the 100-run mark.

However, just as Pakistan’s hopes started to rise, Lyon delivered a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Rizwan for 28, catching an inside edge that Warner at leg slip comfortably held. Jamal, aiming to take the attack to the Australians, fell victim to Cummins in the next over, and Lyon sealed the innings by clean-bowling Hasan Ali.

As Pakistan set a target of 130 runs for Australia, reminiscent of South Africa’s famous five-run victory against Australia 30 years ago, the hosts have their sights set on a series sweep. The spotlight, however, will be on retiring opener David Warner, who is poised for a fairytale farewell in his final Test innings. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion at the SCG.