Babar Azam’s marathon century in the Karachi Test is lauded by Andrew McDonald. In the fourth inning, Babar Azam hit a 196-run home run.
Interim Australia head coach Andrew McDonald praised Pakistan skipper Babar Azam for his batting heroics during the second Test match between Pakistan and Australia in Karachi. To be sure, the visitors set a lofty target of 506 for the hosts to chase in their second innings.
As a result, the home team was up against it. However, skipper Babar Azam’s 196 off 428 balls and Mohmmad Rizwan’s century kept Australia from winning.
Also Visit: Javed Miandad is officially inducted into the Pakistan Cricket Board Hall of Fame.
McDonald on Azam’s marathon century: “It was the best by a captain in the fourth innings.”
“He was able to navigate through the spin on that wicket, which was quite amazing. You have to consider that it was a drawn Test, but in terms of saving the Test, it is right up there with what I have seen,” McDonald quoted as saying by NDTV.
“It was the best fourth-inning performance by a captain.” “An incredible feat, which cost us the game, but full credit to the way he play.” he added.
After winning the toss, Australian captain Pat Cummins chose to bat first, and his teammates backed him up. Australia piled up a massive 556/9 in their first innings, riding on Usman Khawaja’s 160.
In response, the hosts were bowl out for 148 runs in their first innings, with Mitchell Starc taking three wickets for Australia. The visitors declared their second innings at 97/2, setting the hosts a mammoth 506-run target.
Pakistan had a stuttering start to their 2nd innings, with opener Imam-ul-Haq and Azhar Ali both out cheaply. However, captain Azam (196 runs off 425 balls) and wicketkeeper-batter Rizwan (104 runs off 177 balls) helped the home side prevent the visitors from winning the 2nd Test.
Also Read: Virat & Maxwell Issues A Warning To Opposing Teams: IPL 2022