A three-wicket haul by Pat Cummins kept Australia in command despite a fighting half-century by Mohammed Rizwan at the end of the second session of the third Test against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Wednesday.
At Tea, Pakistan was 199/6, with Agha Salman (36*) and Sajid Khan (7*) unbeaten.
Pakistan started the second session at 75/4, with skipper Shan Masood (32*) and Mohammed Rizwan (12*) unbeaten.
Mitchell Marsh struck early for the Aussies in the session, getting Masood for 35 off 70 balls, with Steve Smith taking a catch at slips. Pakistan was 96/5, in deep trouble. Pakistan reached the 100-run mark in 30.1 overs, with a four by Rizwan against skipper Pat Cummins.
Rizwan continued his counterattacking, smashing Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood, bringing up his ninth Test fifty in 74 balls, with seven fours and a six. Agha Salman kept the other end steady, though he also targeted Lyon with some aggressive shots. Rizwan and Salman reached their 50-run partnership in 61 balls.
Pakistan reached the 150-run mark in 39.5 overs.
Salman and Rizwan continued their counter-attack, smashing at least a four or six per over. Rizwan missed out on a century, ending his innings at 88 in 103 balls, with 10 fours and two sixes. Skipper Cummins got his third wicket while Hazlewood took the catch. Pakistan was 190/6.
Agha and Sajid took Pakistan through the remainder of the session.
Pakistan had opted to bat first after winning the toss.
Brief Scores: Pakistan: 199/6 (Mohammed Rizwan 88, Agha Salman 36, Pat Cummins 3/40).
