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A topsy-turvy match that could have gone any which way, finally landed in Australia’s lap when Yasir Shah’s brain froze and a direct hit from Steve Smith from the slips ended Pakistan’s wonder chase. Whatever the result, it gave a reassurance that Test cricket is not dead and day-night games can surely find more space in the international schedule.
Asad Shafiq was adjudged Man of the Match for his resolute hundred. This is what he, and the two captains said after the end of a thrilling game:
ASAD SHAFIQI was hitting the ball well in the nets. I am thankful to the tailenders who showed a lot of courage. (After last day) I still had the energy because I knew we had to play this match well.
(On the delivery that led to his dismissal) I wasn’t expecting it from him at that stage. He bowled a couple of really good spells.
MISBAH-UL-HAQ, Pakistan CaptainA lot of positives from the game - Younis Khan’s coming back to form, Azhar Ali doing well at the top of the order. Shafiq played really well and the tail responded amazingly as well.
I always have belief in this team, and that is the reason why they have been doing well for the last six years. I know all the individuals - they can give you something special anytime.
There was always hope. Even when Asad Shafiq got out, we had hope. With 40 runs required, you never know. You need to keep believing. After what we showed in the last couple of days, everyone has belief that we can pull things back.
STEVEN SMITH, Australia CaptainLost all my fingernails. Some game of cricket it was. It was hard work. A lot of credit to the way they played. It shows the class of Mitchell Starc and the character he has. With the ball that was 60 overs old, he generated that pace and bowled his heart how. We were one wicket away.
(On not enforcing the follow-on) Most wickets fall in the night during these day-night games. Credit has to go to our bowlers, but It was a bit close for my liking.
(On the Boxing day Test) - It is great to be a part of it. It is one day when Australians come out and watch cricket. Another awesome contest on the cards. I am sure the ratings are amazing as well.
(On the run-out) Not sure what Yasir was doing here. It was nice to have hit the stumps from there.
Here’s how the cricketing world reacted to the thriller at Gabba:
Mohammad Kaif
Sanjay Manjrekar
Michael Vaughan
Wasim Akram
Ayaz Memon
Michael Clarke
Harsha Bhogle
Dean Jones
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