Pakistan’s batting unit broke down under duress once more following an ugly 360-run loss in the first Test match in Perth. Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood forged an important 90-run partnership after Imam-ul-Haq lost his wicket, giving Pakistan significant momentum. The momentum of the visiting squad was utterly destroyed, though, when Australia’s Pat Cummins broke the stand.
After Day 2, Pakistan is down by 124 runs, having lost six wickets for just 46 runs. They need some outstanding batting on Day 3 from Mohammad Rizwan and Aamer Jamal to get back into the game, as they are now at 194/6. Shafique, in response to their subpar batting performance, said that losing wickets quickly after one another hurts both him and the batting unit but that he believes the team would bounce back with their continued connection.
“Losing these wickets in succession hurts us as a batting unit. But with this continued collaboration, maybe we’ll bounce back. In contrast to Pakistan, the circumstances here are very different. Since Pat Cummins is a skilled bowler, batters must take their chances. He won’t give you loose deliveries, so you’ll have to make them yourself. ESPNcricinfo cited Shafique as saying, “I was playing well there, so I think he took a good catch as well. “He was planning something for me.”
We’ve performed admirably as a bowling team. Abdullah Shafique
The Pakistani pacers were outstanding on Day 2, as they thrashed Australia for 318 runs. Mitchell Marsh was dismissed after hitting 41 runs, and Labuschange was the only Australian player to reach a half-century. Shafique commented that the bowlers have performed well as compared to the first test when discussing their bowling performance.
“We’ve performed admirably as a bowling unit in contrast to the first test.” Shafique remarked, “We bowled well here.” Though it’s inevitable in the game, fielders don’t want to drop catches. He said, “Of course, we’d be in a better position if I had caught that,” referring to his drop of David Warner’s catch.
India
