The morning session of Day 4 was washed out due to persistent rain. Over the next two sessions, Pakistan bowlers managed to keep the scoring rate in check as Australia finished the day on 449/7.
Shaheen Shah Afridi eventually got Marnus Labuschagne for 90. Steven Smith (78) then forged a partnership with Cam Green, who missed his fifty by two runs.
Nauman Ali has claimed four wickets so far, and will have a crucial role to play tomorrow morning to wipe off the tail. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are at the crease, with Australia still trailing by 27.
With just a day remaining, a Pakistan win looks improbable. Australia, however, will back themselves to force a result. If they declare overnight and bowl out Pakistan in the first two sessions, their batters can go for the chase.
A lot hinges on Nathan Lyon, who may take inspiration from how well Nauman has bowled. Overall, an interesting day reckons, and the first 15 overs will set the further course of the match.
Fantasy Tips
- From Pakistan, pick Afridi and Imam-ul-Haq.
- Cummins, Lyon, and Starc are must-haves for your team.