Australia vs Pakistan – The second Test of the 2023-24 series between Australia and Pakistan got off to a slow start at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with rain playing spoilsport on the opening day. Despite persistent interruptions due to the wet outfield, Australia managed to reach 114-2 in their first innings before play was halted.
Australia vs Pakistan , Rain Stops Play.
Opting to bowl after winning the toss, Pakistan faced a resilient Australian batting lineup. Opener David Warner displayed patience in his innings, scoring 38 runs off 83 balls before falling victim to Agha Salman, caught by Babar Azam. Usman Khawaja, another key contributor, notched up 42 runs off 101 balls before being dismissed by Hasan Ali, caught by Agha Salman.
Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith were at the crease when play was stopped. Labuschagne, unbeaten at 14 off 47 balls, provided stability to the innings alongside Smith, who was not out at 2 off 26 balls. The partnerships were steady, with the fall of wickets recorded at 90-1 (Warner, 27.1 overs) and 108-2 (Khawaja, 33.1 overs).
Pakistan’s bowling effort saw notable performances. Shaheen Afridi delivered an impressive spell, sending down 15 overs for 40 runs but remained wicketless. Hasan Ali, on the other hand, made a crucial breakthrough, dismissing Khawaja and finishing with figures of 1 for 21 in his 10 overs. Agha Salman also contributed with the ball, picking up the wicket of Warner and conceding 3 runs in his 2 overs.
The rain-affected day witnessed a total of 18 extras, including 12 byes, 4 leg byes, 1 wide, and 1 no-ball, adding to Australia’s total. The challenging conditions tested both teams, with the weather being a significant factor in the match’s outcome.
As the teams look forward to the upcoming days, the fate of the Test hangs in the balance. Both Australia and Pakistan will be hoping for improved weather conditions to allow for uninterrupted play at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The second day of the Test promises an intriguing battle between bat and ball as the two sides vie for control in this pivotal encounter of the series.
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