Australia tightened their grip on the second Test at Sydney after bowling Pakistan out for 241 in their second innings, leaving the hosts with a straightforward target of just 83 runs to secure victory. The collapse confirmed Australia’s dominance across the match and ensured there would be no late resistance from the visitors as the Test moved rapidly toward its conclusion.
Pakistan began the day with the primary objective of survival. With a sizeable deficit already in place, their batters needed to bat time and frustrate Australia’s bowlers to keep the contest alive. Early signs suggested a willingness to fight, with cautious shot selection and an emphasis on defense rather than scoring freely.
However, Australia’s bowling attack maintained relentless pressure. The pacers struck a fine balance between aggression and control, exploiting bounce and movement while rarely offering easy scoring opportunities. The pitch continued to reward disciplined seam bowling, and Pakistan found it difficult to string together meaningful partnerships.
Wickets fell steadily rather than in clusters, but the effect was just as damaging. Each dismissal reset Pakistan’s progress and increased scoreboard pressure. Even when batters settled briefly, Australia found ways to break through, either through sharp spells of fast bowling or sustained accuracy that forced mistakes.
The middle order attempted to counterattack in patches, recognizing that mere defense would not be enough. A few boundaries provided momentary relief, but those flashes of aggression also carried risk. Australia’s fielding unit backed up the bowlers with energy and precision, cutting off singles and ensuring batters were constantly tested.
As the innings wore on, Pakistan’s lower order looked to add valuable runs, knowing that every extra contribution could delay the inevitable. There was some resistance, but Australia remained patient. By attacking the stumps and mixing lengths intelligently, they ensured the innings never gained momentum.
Being dismissed for 241 left Pakistan well short of what was required to apply any pressure in the fourth innings. The total reflected the uphill battle they had faced throughout the Test — chasing the game from an early stage and rarely finding sustained control.
For Australia, the equation was now straightforward. A target of 83 runs in Test cricket, especially on a surface that had not deteriorated significantly, presented little difficulty. The focus shifted from strategy to execution, with an emphasis on avoiding unnecessary risks and closing out the match efficiently.
The scenario also highlighted Australia’s dominance over the course of the Test. By posting a strong first-innings total and consistently applying pressure with the ball, they reduced Pakistan’s margin for error to almost zero. Once the target was set, the outcome felt inevitable.
As play moved toward the final innings, Australia’s batters approached the chase with clarity and confidence. Pakistan, meanwhile, were left reflecting on missed opportunities earlier in the match, particularly in their first innings, where a stronger showing might have altered the balance.
Pakistan being bowled out for 241 ultimately summed up the contest — a team battling hard but unable to escape sustained pressure. With only 83 required, Australia stood on the brink of sealing another emphatic Test victory and completing a dominant series performance.
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