Pakistan VS Australia Test Series 
2nd Test Played at Karachi National Stadium from 12-16 March 2022
Scorecard at Stumps on Day four.
Australia 556/9 Declared (Usman Khwaja 156, Alex Carey 93, Steven Smith 72, Nathan Lyon 38, David Warner 36,  Faheem Ashraf 2/65, Sajid Khan 2/165 ) 
And 97/2 (Usman Khwaja 44*, Marnus Labuschagne 44*) 
Pakistan 148 All Out (Babar Azam 36, Nauman Ali 20*, Imam Ul Haq 20*, Mitchell Starc 3/29, Michael Swepson 2/39) and 
192/2 (Babar Azam 102*, Abdullah Shafique 71*) 
Australia Leads by 314 runs.

Too many Babar Azam has the potential for growing as among all time best batsman showing never say die attitude has led his charge on a mission impossible at Karachi test. The almost one-sided contest has now delicately poised with all three possibilities left on day five. Pakistan needing to set a world record for winning the test stays alive scoring 192/2.  Babar playing an imperious innings of unbeaten 102 defied all guns blazing Australian attack on a wearing wicket on day four. Rookie Abdullah Shafique gave him a great hand contributing 71 not outplaying 226 deliveries.

Karachi wicket had no demon excepting a bit of pace and some uneven bounce. Pakistani bowlers toiled over two days and an hour as Australia piled up a massive 556/9 before declaring. If the test ends in anything other than an Australian win critics would target Pat Cummins for hanging on too long and not enforcing follow on. Pakistan looked falt in the first innings getting blown away for 148. Australia batting again declared again at 97/2 batting Pakistan almost out of the game. Pakistan chasing an almost unassailable target of 506 finished day four at 192/2. The final days contest may turn into a sea-saw batting depending on what Pakistan appear on the day. A likely win of Australia, a possible win of Pakistan and a possible draw all three scenarios have emerged.

The dead and docile surface of Rawalpindi was heavily criticized. ICC imposed demerit points. The wicket of Karachi looked promising. Traditionally wicket favors spin on day four and five. But a strong Pakistan attack struggled against quality Australian batting over two days and an hour. Usman Khawaja whose next of kin still live in Karachi played the innings of his life scoring 160, Alex Carey (93) can be considered himself unlucky missing a well-deserved century, Steven Smith’s return to form continued with him scoring 72. 556/9 is a huge score in any test. Pakistan looked circumspect and was pathetically bundled out for 148. It is only possible for Pakistan to prove as uncertain as the game. One day they look prolific with the bat and another day most ordinary. Many would argue why Cummins did not enforce follow on. His bowlers must not have been tired at all. In boxing, a boxer does not allow his opponent to stand on his feet after knocking him down on the mat. Pakistan batted with patience and bravery in the second innings with Emperor Babar leading the charge. 

If Pakistan can survive the early burst of Starc and Cummins on day five with fresh red cherry the match may turn into an intriguing contest. A new history may be created who knows. However, Australia has nose in front. Babar needs to bat deep and at least two more partnership would be required.

BDST: 1150 HRS, MAR 16, 2022
SMS