In a gripping day of cricket at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Pakistan finds themselves trailing by 124 runs with 4 wickets in hand at the end of Day 2 in the second Test against Australia. Having won the toss and opting to bowl first in the Boxing Day Test, Pakistan faced a resilient Australian batting lineup that posted a total of 318 in their first innings.

Marnus Labuschagne emerged as the standout performer for Australia, scoring a crucial half-century with 63 runs to his name. Usman Khawaja contributed with 42, and Mitchell Marsh added 41 runs to the total. The Pakistan bowlers, however, struggled with discipline, conceding 52 extras in 96.5 overs. Aamer Jamel led the bowling attack, securing 3 wickets, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, and Hasan Ali each claimed 2 wickets.

As the day progressed, Pakistan faced the daunting task of chasing down Australia’s total. At the stumps on Day 2, Pakistan reached 194 for the loss of 6 wickets. Abdullah Shafique played a resilient innings, scoring 62 runs, and skipper Shan Masood contributed a vital 54. The Australian bowling attack, led by Pat Cummins with 3 wickets and Nathan Lyon with 2, kept the pressure on the Pakistani batsmen.

With 4 wickets in hand and a deficit of 124 runs, Pakistan will aim to narrow the margin and turn the tide on Day 3. The Boxing Day Test at the MCG continues to unfold as a riveting battle between bat and ball, promising cricket fans more excitement in the days to come.