Pakistan vs Australia: 2nd Test, 2018 - Who Said What

It was Pakistan’s day, it was their Test match once they emerged out of the deep pits Nathan Lyon threw them into very early on the first morning. On the fourth day, the Australians had a humongous target of 537 ahead of them, chasing that down wasn’t quite a possibility neither was playing out the overs. Once Usman Khawaja was ruled out, it was just a matter of time and in the 2nd session, they secured a 373-run victory to also claim the series honours.

Khawaja with meniscus tear couldn’t walk out to bat, Australia were just one wicket down at the start of the day with Aaron Finch and Travis Head out in the middle. It was Mohammad Abbas once again who ran through the batting. He completed yet another five-wicket haul in the game and with that his maiden ten-wicket haul.

After Head got out on the team score of 71 the team couldn’t even add another 100 runs. The likes of Shaun Marsh, Mitch Marsh, Tim Paine were all bundled out and despite a few showers of rain there was no respite for the Aussies.

It was Pakistan’s batting in the first innings after the early slump where skipper Sarfraz Ahmed combined with Fakhar Zaman and both of their half centuries along with Babar Azam’s 99 in the second innings that put the game in their bag. Sarfraz with concoction didn’t take the field on the final day of this game it was Asad Shafiq who led the troops to victory.

Mohammad Abbas was awarded the Man of the Match as well as the Series, he said:

It’s a day of great delight for me. It’s my daughter’s birthday tomorrow, will dedicate this to her. Whatever the pitch, my job is to bowl to my strengths. I’ve been man of the series back to back. Wanted to replicate my performances from England. Bowled to my strengths, to the opposition’s weakness. No one is perfect (talking about himself). Hit my areas. Didn’t get out of my circle. Thing of great pride for me. Wanted to do this in England too, but couldn’t do so. I’m doing my thing, if Pakistan needs me in limited-overs, I’m there.

Australian skipper Tim Paine said:

Disappointing to let things slip from the first session in Day 1. Our bowlers toiled pretty well on that wicket. It’s just our batting. Abbas tested our defence time and time again. Have to go on and improve. No sugar-coating, our batting needs to be addressed. He just challenges your defence.

We weren’t good enough to keep him out for long. We came today with high hopes. Last Test we showed fight and spirit that we want to be renowned for. Definite positives from this series. We debuted three guys in the top six and at some points, they all showed they belong. Lyon was good.

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed said:

Had a slight concussion which is why I couldn’t take the field. Fakhar and my partnership was crucial. The way Abbas bowled was the difference between the two teams. He (Abbas) hits his areas impeccably which makes him successful. Congrats to Fakhar for a superb debut.

Credit to the boys. We have a good talent pool, just need to groom them. When your team is losing, and you’re not performing, obviously there’s pressure on you. Thankfully, my first innings performance was able to inspire the team. Australia are a strong T20 team. Will have to play well.

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