Chasing a record 506 for an impossible victory, Pakistan’s best bet was to bat on the final day and Babar led by example to finish at 443-7, the sixth-highest fourth innings total ever.
Babar’s scintillating innings, which included 21 fours and a six, will be an inspiration for his team going into the third and final Test in Lahore on Monday.
A thrilling stalemate in Karachi It was cut short and swept in the final session but Pakistan, led by hundreds from Ba… https://t.co/3CG3UJbJfl
— ICC (@ICC) 1647435119000
“The plan was to bat session-by-session and build partnerships,” the Pakistan captain, who was named player of the match at the presentation ceremony, said.
“It was a team effort, as other people made useful contributions as well.”
“We tried to stay positive and play our shots. The team needed this innings, so I tried to bat for as long as possible.”
The hosts were on the back foot after being folded for 148 in reply to Australia’s first innings score of 556-9 at the National Stadium.
The target of a record win was never within Pakistan’s reach, but Babar’s marathon 228-run partnership with opener Abdullah Shafiq (96) kept them in the fray.
Nathan Lyon (4-112) presented fresh play in the final session, dismissing Babar and Faheem Ashrafi with frequent deliveries but Mohammad Rizwani104 not out helped Pakistan to recover from the draw.
“I’m really proud of the effort,” Cummins said after Australia were trapped three wickets away from victory.
“The way we batted, the way we hunted, we took wickets with reverse swing on the third day, that was also fantastic.
“We were always ahead of the game, so really proud of the boys,” Cummins said.
The first Test in Rawalpindi also ended in a draw.