Younis, Azhar lead Pakistan's fight back in Sydney Test

Sydney [Australia], Jan. 4 (ANI): Pakistan batsmen Younis Khan and Azhar Ali stitched together an unbeaten 120-run partnership to lead the team's fight back on Day Two of the third and final Test against Australia on Wednesday at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). At Stumps on second day, Pakistan were 126 for two as opener Azhar, who hit a double century in the second test defeat in Melbourne, contributed 58* while veteran Younus had forged ahead of his partner with 64 not out. The Misbah-ul-Haq-led side, who are playing for their pride in the dead rubber, are still trailing by 412 runs. Earlier, a Peter Handscomb century had helped Australia to declare their first innings on 538-8. The Steve Smith-led side were not at their best in the field, David Warner, in particular, was untidy, missing two run-outs and also dropping a difficult chance at leg slip off the bowling of Nathan Lyon in the day's penultimate over. Handscomb (110) had earlier completed the third century of Australia's innings, matching openers Warner (113) and Matt Renshaw (184), as the hosts poured on the runs before the declaration. The two Pakistan wickets were taken by Josh Hazlewood. Resuming the day at the team's score of 365-3 and his individual 40, Handscomb never looked like missing out on his second test hundred. Australia have already clinched the series 2-0 following their massive win by an innings and 18 runs in the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).(ANI)