Pakistan fought back and continued the match even after centurion Babar Azam got dismissed by resisting the Australian attack. After losing two wickets in successive overs at the start of the day, it only seemed like a matter of time for Pakistan to be chased out and face defeat. But Babar, along with Mohammad Rizwan, showcased their outstanding performances with a counterattack on Australia via a 132-run stand – the fourth-highest sixth-wicket stand against Australia at the Gabba. In the last 10 overs before Tea, Pakistan scored 47 runs, with Rizwan and Yasir Shah adding 42 runs in quick time for the seventh wicket on Sunday (November 24), trailing them by just 72 runs.
Babar and Rizwan kept Pakistan in the fight for most of the session. Rizwan took on Lyon with a sweep shot. He batted aggressively and with a technically sound technique to get to his maiden Test fifty. After that, Babar scored his second Test ton as the pair milked the inconsistency of the Australian quicks. Babar, who had proven himself in white-ball cricket, but his knock, in tough conditions, and at a time when Pakistan needed to resist the opposition, showcased his talent in the longer format. He was eventually caught in two minds against a flatter one from Lyon, beaten for pace, ended faintly edging to Paine who took it sharply. He departed for 104, but Rizwan carried on without any break.
