Written on Thursday, 15 July 2010 10:31
Another stunning day of Test cricket, which had it all. Australia's salvation came in the unlikeliest of forms - Shane Watson - who ripped through Pakistan's middle and lower order after a brief and wild cameo from Shahid Afridi.
With Pakistan unable to build any decent partnerships, and only Butt putting any value on his wicket, they were left with a deficit of over 100 runs, which in the context of a low-scoring match in difficult conditions, has just about sealed their fate.
Australia started off well in its second innings before Pakistan struck, leaving them 4/100 at stumps, with a lead of 205. You'd have to wonder if Pakistan could even get that far in their second dig.
With 15 wickets falling on just the second day, the odds from a draw have blown to $40, so there are now just two possible outcomes for this match. Australia has narrowed to just $1.14, and Pakistan again went to $17 during Australia's opening partnership in the second innings before settling on around $6 after the late wickets.
With three days left, the Australians will want to dig in and bat Pakistan out of the game. If they can bat another two sessions, then it's as good as over. If Pakistan can get them out and leave themselves a target not much more than 300, then this could get interesting from a betting perspective (although they will not win), with an opportunity to back Pakistan at or better than current levels, and lay them at around $4 or better.
Don't leave much on the table for Pakistan - while they may make an encouraging start in their chase, they will self-destruct.
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