Pakistan are called the most unpredictable team in the world cricket for a reason and they proved that tag right once again. Just a week ago, Misbah-ul-Haq’s men fell agonisingly short of chasing an improbable 488 and now they lost all of their 10 wickets in around two sessions to lose the second Test, which was destined for a tame draw because of continuous rain delays through the first four days.
The hosts declared their innings four overs before lunch at 624/8 with a healthy first-innings lead of 180. And with only two sessions left on a pitch that was looking ideal for batting, the visitors collapsed spectacularly to lose the match as well as the series. Pakistan started disastrously and were reeling at 6/2 before Azhar Ali and Younis Khan steadied the ship with a 57-run partnership. But the floodgates opened once Younis was out and the visitors kept on losing wickets at regular intervals. They were eventually dismissed for 163, handing Australia a huge victory by an innings and 18 runs.
Here is how Twitter reacted to the match:
A team that holds your attention for the most audacious run chase now does so for a disspirited effort. Pakistan are box-office!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 30, 2016
Pakistan do the predictable. Play unpredictably.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 30, 2016
Massive win by the Aussies. A huge congratulations. Pakistan will be extremely disappointed with that batting performance
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) December 30, 2016
Pakistan may be 2-0 down, but hats off to Azhar Ali. In this series so far:
324 runs (average 108) off 665 balls in 1020 minutes.#AUSvPAK— Ric Finlay (@RicFinlay) December 30, 2016
Pakistan has lost 5 consecutive Tests now, also 11th consecutive defeat for Pak in Australia, most for any at an opponent's home. #AUSvPAK
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) December 30, 2016
https://twitter.com/TheCricketGeek/status/814718493035810816
Yet again a brilliant performance by Pakistan
You just can't write them off, Never#AUSvsPak #TestMatch #MCG
— The Football Wizard (@thefutbolwizard) December 30, 2016
https://twitter.com/Imranthehost/status/814720393831415809
Only Australia can win this match, converted a draw to a win !
Pakistan lost after declaring in the first innings . #AusvsPak
— Khayal Dave (@Khayaaaal) December 30, 2016
Respect for Pakistan Team they managed to lose an almost washed out test match without Akmal Mafia and Afridi.
— Usman Nasir (@IamUsman7) December 30, 2016
u can never ever say the game is done and dusted when Pakistan is playing we can do wonders ?#PakvAus
— Talha Nafees (@talha_nafees) December 30, 2016
That's a great win for Australia. Batted and bowled with purpose. Pakistan remains an enigma. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Two faced batting— Haji Pasha (@HarPasha) December 30, 2016
Pakistan last three Tests:
Lose 9 wickets in final session
Almost pull off biggest chase ever
Lose 9 wickets in final two sessions
— Asim Dar (@asimdar51) December 30, 2016
– Half the test lost to rain
– 450+ runs on the board for pakistan
– Yet they lost by an inningsPakistan summed up. #AUSvPAK ?
— Jagmeet ਜਗਮੀਤ (@jagmeet_93) December 30, 2016