Pakistan set for victory
Cricket tips 
/ Andy Morris / 06 January 2010 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market
Australia are heading towards a rare home defeat by Pakistan in the second test at the SCG, as the game goes into day four, writes Andy Morris.
"It should be a straightforward passage to Pakistan’s victory on day four as they look to even the series at 1-1 heading to Hobart for the decider."
It would be just the fourth test match won by Pakistan in Australia if the tourists reach what looks like being a very low target in their second innings.
Australia lead by just 80 runs with only two wickets remaining after day three, when the Pakistan attack again troubled the home side.
Pakistan were dismissed quickly on the morning of day three, losing their remaining two wickets to be all out for 333, a lead of 206.
Australia begin well
Australia got off to a good start, and again the opening partnership provided hope that the match could be rescued when they put on 105 for the first wicket.
Shane Watson was once again unlucky to be out in the nineties, while Pakistan grassed a number of straightforward chances, Kamran Akmal being particularly guilty as he dropped Mike Hussey three times.
Much depends on Hussey on day four, he starts the day unbeaten on 73 and really must take the majority of the strike if Australia are to hope to set anything like a defendable target.
Watson had Mohammad Sami caught behind for 13, making five catches for the Australian wicketkeeper, and soon after Australia wrapped up Pakistan's first dig when Danish Kaneria was caught in the gully by Hussey, giving Doug Bollinger his fourth wicket.
Philip Hughes was first out for Australia in their second innings, to a brilliant one-handed catch off his own bowling by Kaneria, removing the opener for 37 with the score on 105.
Ponting failed again
Ricky Ponting continued his recent slump when out for 11, edged off Umar Gul to second slip where Faisal Iqbal took a spectacular catch.
And while Watson played well and looked certain to get his century, he fell three runs short when surprised by a Gul ball that rose on him quickly, the ball striking his glove and ballooning to Faisal Iqbal.
Australia reached 3-199 at tea, and hoped to bat for as long as possible in the final session without losing another wicket.
But Michael Clarke missed a full length delivery from Mohammad Asif and was trapped leg before, despite his calling for a review.
Haddin had made 15 before falling in a similar manner, given out by umpire Doctrove when he missed a straight one from Kaneria. The review proved that it was plumb and Haddin had to go.
Four for Kaneria
Johnson soon became the seventh wicket when beaten by Kaneria who knocked the top of his middle stump to collect his fourth wicket.
It was now all slipping away from Australia, and when Gul induced an edge from Nathan Hauritz and Misbah-ul-Haq pouched it at first slip it became 8-257.
The one blight on the day as far as Pakistan were concerned was a problem for Kaneria, who suffered what looked to be cramp or a strain and had to be taken off the field.
Stumps left Hussey looking determined on 73 while Peter Siddle was unbeaten on 10 having faced 20 balls.
It should be a straightforward passage to Pakistan's victory on day four as they look to even the series at 1-1 heading to Hobart for the decider.
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