Jamal's 82 saves Pakistan after another Cummins five-for

 

In the inaugural day of his farewell Test, the departing David Warner faced a challenging final over, skillfully maneuvered by Aamer Jamal, the ninth-inning batsman. Jamal's resilient half-century, accumulating 82 runs off 97 deliveries, orchestrated a commendable revival for Pakistan in Sydney, leaving the Australian team somewhat vexed.

The formidable partnership of 86 runs between Jamal and Mir Hamza, the last-wicket duo, propelled Pakistan to an unexpected first-innings total of 313. This feat transpired after Pat Cummins clinched his third consecutive five-wicket haul.

Facing a solitary over before stumps, Australia's openers, Warner and Usman Khawaja, confronted the daunting task. Warner, in his 112th and final Test, garnered a standing ovation from the 33,905 spectators at the SCG and received a guard of honor from the Pakistan team.

Warner initiated with a four through covers off the offspinner Sajid Khan, creating a moment of tension when he nearly played the ball onto his stumps. As the day concluded, Australia stood at 6 for 0, trailing Pakistan by 307 runs.

Initially, Pakistan struggled, reaching 47 for 4 after winning the crucial toss in favorable conditions. However, Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman staged a compelling fightback, registering attractive half-centuries. The batting challenge intensified post-tea under substantial cloud cover, leading to the fall of both Rizwan and Salman amid a flurry of wickets.

Unexpectedly, Jamal and Hamza resurrected Pakistan's hopes with the highest tenth-wicket partnership against Australia in Tests since 2001. Jamal dismantled Australia's increasingly erratic bowling, while Hamza, initially silent, withstood over 90 minutes without scoring.

Rizwan's dismissal just before tea, succumbing to a well-executed short-ball tactic by Cummins and Mitchell Starc, seemed to dash Pakistan's aspirations for a competitive total. Salman, defying a barrage of short deliveries, secured his second consecutive half-century before falling to Starc. Cummins concluded with impressive figures of 5 for 61 off 18 overs, removing Hasan Ali for a duck.

Australia, seeking redemption after a painful defeat in the Boxing Day Test, witnessed both their openers dismissed without scoring within the first eight deliveries. Starc's sharp swing accounted for the early wicket of Abdullah Shafique, while debutant Saim Ayub succumbed to Hazlewood's impeccable delivery on his second ball.

Babar Azam, under pressure with only 77 runs in four previous innings, displayed resilience but fell victim to Cummins' inswinging delivery. Cummins further exploited Pakistan's vulnerability, dismissing Saud Shakeel, leaving them in disarray.

Rizwan's impressive 76 off 72 balls in the second session, along with Salman's support, revitalized Pakistan at 75 for 4. Masood, however, struggled to bat proactively and fell to Marsh after a reprieve due to a no-ball. Marsh's relief was short-lived as Masood succumbed in a similar manner shortly after, confirming the tumultuous journey for Pakistan in the series.