Babar Azam hit a career-best 196 under heavy pressure as Pakistan snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat in the second Test against Australia on Wednesday.
PAK vs AUS: Babar, Rizwan hundred saves Pakistan in Karachi (AP Photo)
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- Pakistan snatched the draw from the jaws of defeat in the second test
- Babar Azam scored a career-best 196 runs under heavy pressure
- Lyon’s four wickets fell short as the hosts provided a solid rearguard
Captain Babar Azam’s career-best 196 and Mohammad Rizwan’s brilliant century helped Pakistan to a draw in the second Test against Australia.
Chasing a record 506 for an impossible victory, Pakistan batted on the final day as Babar set an example to help the hosts finish on 443/7, the sixth-highest fourth-innings total ever.
Pakistan vs Australia, 2nd Test, Day 5 Highlights
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.
The plan was to bat session-by-session and build partnerships,” the Pakistan captain, who was adjudged player of the match, said at the presentation ceremony.
“It was a team effort, as other people made useful contributions as well.”
“We tried to stay positive and played our part
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) produced fresh play in the final session, dismissing Babar and Faheem Ashraf in successive deliveries, but Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 104 helped Pakistan save a draw.
The first Test in Rawalpindi also ended in a draw.