Australia claimed victory in the test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against Pakistan, with a final score of 317-237. Pat Cummins was the star performer, taking 5-49 in the second innings to complete a 10-wicket haul in the match.
Mitchell Starc also contributed with 4-55 to wrap up the tail-end of the Pakistani batting order. Although the visitors put up a strong fight, they were always facing difficult tasks given that no team had successfully chased a fourth-innings total of more than 300 at the ground. Opener Abdullah Shafique was early dismissed for 4 runs while Mitchell Starc added to the pressure with an almost unplayable ball that trapped Iman-ul-Haq's lbw.
Wicket 250 for Pat Cummins! 🎉
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 29, 2023
The third umpire decided the ball flicked Mohammad Rizwan's sweatband on the way through. #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance | #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/vTuDL5DmNB
Shan Masood, Agha Salman, and Babar Azam provided some solid contributions, but they were eventually dismissed, with Cummins playing a decisive role in each of their dismissals.
After being bowled out for 262 runs in their second innings, Australia set Pakistan a target to chase. Mir Hamza and Shaheen Shah Afridi took 4 wickets each, with Carey scoring 53 to help build Australia's lead. Mitchell Marsh's 96 and Steve Smith's 50 played a significant role in Australia's strong total after a miserable start at 16-4. Mitchell Starc's knock ended with a catch from slip fielder Babar Azam, while Cummins added a quick 16 before being caught behind by Mohammad Rizwan. Nathan Lyon hit two consecutive 4's before being bowled out for 11. Carey brought up his sixth Test half-century before being dismissed lbw by Mir Hamza as the last man out.
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