The second Pakistan-Australia Test at Karachi enjoyed a thrilling finish, with the tourists falling three wickets short as the hosts pulled off an extraordinary final-day escape.

Pakistan had been bowled out for 148 in the second innings, and were left to chase 506 runs in the last two days of the Test. At 21-2, the game seemed to be heading one way but Pakistan skipper Babar Azam stood up to the challenge and scored a magnificent 196. He found incredible support too in Abdullah Shafique (96) and Mohammad Rizwan (104*).

Babar’s knock and the game itself became talking points for the cricketing world.

Many praised Babar’s resilient innings which lasted 425 balls. This was the longest-ever knock by a Pakistan player in the fourth innings of a Test. It was also the highest Test score by a captain in fourth innings of a Test.

Poor Babar Azam barely even raises his bat as he walks off, punches the boundary board after having played a knock that surely now makes him the man “you’ll want to bat for your life” in word cricket #PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/K5HgjPZu7g

— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) March 16, 2022

Once again @babarazam258 proving his class .. 👏👏 #PAKvAUS

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 15, 2022

Babar Azam goes for 196 off 425 balls. He's taken Pakistan right to the brink of a remarkable draw with an innings of great class and patience. For me, this was the greatest innings of his career so far. Just outstanding. #PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/1ysf6W2Tfz

— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) March 16, 2022

The longest 4th innings vigil (425 balls) in the last 26 years of Test cricket. That's the stuff of legend from Babar Azam. Superb effort. #PakvAus

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) March 16, 2022

The innings drew comparison to other greats, and also led to discussion on what it meant for Babar’s career.

#PAKvsAUS Babar Azam did a Rahul Dravid from Adelaide 2003 today. Denied Australia a likely victory with a masterclass. Interestingly, in that game too Aus 🇦🇺 had scored 556 in the 1st innings. 🏏

— Sohini M. (@Mittermaniac) March 16, 2022

Years later, when they will write about Babar Azam’s Test career, they will refer to this 196 as “defining”.

— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) March 16, 2022

Babar Azam may have missed out on a double century but has gained entry into the galaxy of batting greats methinks

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 16, 2022

There was also praise for Mohammad Rizwan for his brilliant hundred.

Wow, what an innings by @babarazam258 leading from the front n showing the grit and resilience to draw this match. very well played by @imabd28 n @iMRizwanPak What a test match this has been. @CricketAus has been sensational throughout! Loved seeing all this happen in Pakistan!

— Umar Gul (@mdk_gul) March 16, 2022

Such a quality player is @iMRizwanPak #pakvaus.. Well played on a brilliant hundred 👏👏👏👏 Great knock

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) March 16, 2022

Mohammad Rizwan has played some incredible knocks in international cricket in the last few years #AUSvPAK

— Isa Guha (@isaguha) March 16, 2022

During the final day, many wondered as to which way the game could go.

Wonder how many records will tumble if Pakistan get there…

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 16, 2022

What a test match this is turning out to be. #PakvsAus2022

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) March 16, 2022

It’s going to be a tight finish @shoaib100mph #AUSvsPAK

— Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) March 16, 2022

When the final session began, the game seemed to be destined for a draw before Nathan Lyon brought it back to life with two wickets in two balls.

2 in 2 ! Game on @NathLyon421 🐐

— Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) March 16, 2022

Finally though, Mohammad Rizwan held on and ensured that Pakistan earned a majestic draw. It was referred to as a win for the format.

Pakistan is only the second team in Test history to save the game by batting 1000+ balls in 4th inns. The first was England in the timeless Test in Durban in 1939. That match went on for 10 days and had to be stopped otherwise England would have missed the boat for home. #PakvAus

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) March 16, 2022

Test cricket at its best. Last session day 5 on a knife's edge. #PAKvAUS

— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) March 16, 2022

Hard fought draw which produced some outstanding performances and absorbing cricket on most days. Pakistan can claim moral victory for batting out virtually two days. Looking forward to the last Test at Lahore!

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 16, 2022