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[Saba Sports News] Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh narrowly missed a century by four runs in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) against Pakistan. In a challenging situation with Australia at 16/4, Marsh stepped up, forging a vital 153-run partnership with Steve Smith, steering the team back into control.
Marsh’s innings included a stroke of luck when Abdullah Shafique dropped him at 20.
However, his run ended at 96, caught spectacularly by Agha Salman. Marsh commented on this turn of events in a press conference, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of cricket:
“Today I had a bit of luck being dropped and I think a bit of Karma with a one-handed screamer to get me out. This game has a funny way of even-ing things up.”
Australia’s victory by 79 runs gave them a 2-0 series lead. Pakistan’s Shan Masood and Babar Azam built a promising 61-run stand, with Masood scoring 60 and Babar 41. Their efforts, however, were not enough against the Australian bowling attack. Australian captain Pat Cummins took five wickets, and Mitchell Starc claimed four, sealing the win for Australia.
The series is set to continue with the third Test starting on January 3 in Sydney, where Australia will aim to maintain their lead and Pakistan will seek to turn their fortunes around.