Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur was one of the many cricket pundits and fans, who took to their official Twitter account on Wednesday evening to hail the Pakistan team for its awesome performance. The home side was phenomenal against Australia in Karachi as they ended the 2nd Test as a draw with some valiant fight.
On Wednesday, Pakistan batting-unit-led by their skipper Babar (196 off 425 deliveries) showed what one can achieve if they show grit, desire, and unrelenting passion to overcome the odds stacked against them.
Having been bowled out for a mere 148 in their first innings and being asked to chase down an improbable total of 500+ in the better part of 6 sessions on Day 04 and 05, the home side was up against it big time.
And, when the Pakistan side lost their centurions from the last game, Imam-ul-Haq and Azhar Ali at the score of 21, it looked like Australia would finally earn a win in Asia after five years.
Enters Babar Azam. The champion cricketer was under immense pressure both as captain as well as a batsman leading into this knock. He hadn't scored a Test ton since February 2020, and his side was on the brink of a shambolic defeat at home.
However, the 27-year-old once again displayed why he is one of the leading lights of the modern era. He showed immense concentration, patience, grit, and along with opener, Abdullah Shafique, blunted the Aussie attack into the ground.
Azam and Shafique added 229 runs for the 3rd wicket, and while the latter fell four short of a well-deserved hundred, the former kept going on and on.
He found an able ally in Mohammad Rizwan (104* off 177 deliveries), and the duo went on to add another 120 runs for the sixth wicket to keep Australia at bay.
Azam surpassed former England captain Michael Atherton's record of highest 4th inning score by a captain but the stylish batsman agonisingly fell short of 4 runs from what would have been a sensational double ton.
Nathan Lyon brought an end to his knock, and it sent jitters in the home side dressing room as Lyon knocked over Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali cheaply.
But, Rizwan, who completed a brilliant century during the closing stages, ensured that Australia didn't run through the tail, helping his side to an incredible draw.
Both sides will now aim to clinch the series in Lahore. The third and final Test will commence on March 21.
Here's how Twitter reacted to Pakistan's incredible heist in Karachi: