'Going to be an exciting finish' - Ravi Ashwin lauds Babar Azam's stellar century in Karachi Test

The ongoing second Test match between Pakistan and Australia is heading towards a thrilling end. While the home team needs 314 runs on the final day, the Aussies require eight more wickets to record a memorable win in Karachi. Hence, all three results are possible and it would be interesting to see how the final day pans out.

Meanwhile, it was Babar Azam’s stellar ton that added spice to the contest as the knock came at an extremely crucial time. Pakistan, who were bundled out for 148 in their first innings, have been asked to chase down 506 to cross the line. While many reckoned the Aussies will rip apart Pakistan’s batting line-up yet again, skipper Azam had other plans.

Babar Azam’s sixth Test ton adds twist in the tale

Pakistan were reeling at 21/2 when the 27-year-old came out to bat. He joined forces with opener Abdullah Shafique and played some delightful shots. He completed his ton on the stroke of stumps and walked back unbeaten at 102. As a result, Pakistan were 197/2 at stumps on Day 4, needing 314 more runs to win.

Needless to mention, Azam’s gritty knock earned praises from different corners and veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was among many to laud him. As Azam has settled his feet in the middle, Ashwin reckons that the match would have an interesting Day 5. “Babar Azam, going to be an exciting finish tomorrow. #PAKvAUS,” tweeted Ashwin.

Babar Azam 👏👏, going to be an exciting finish tomorrow. #PAKvAUS

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) March 15, 2022

Meanwhile, Pakistan need to defy history to win this contest and never ever a target in excess of 500 has been successfully chased down in Test cricket. Nonetheless, Azam, who seemed pleased with his batting efforts, is optimistic.

“This knock means a lot to me, the team needed it. Fortunately I have managed to get a good partnership with Shafique. The match is not over yet, so we need to continue playing in the same way, and the other batters also need to step up. After the first innings, we practiced in the nets how to counter their reverse swing, just that we need to play slightly late,” said Azam after mustering an unbeaten hundred.