Pakistan yet again faltered when it mattered the most and in the process, handed Australia an easy nine-wicket victory and an unassailable 2-0 series lead. Both the Pakistani bowling and batting came a cropper on the third day after the match was hanging in balance on the second day.

'Mr. Consistent' Damien Martyn once again proved to be the opposition's nemesis. Batting with great composure and resolve, he brought up his sixth Test century in 2004. He was ably supported by the ever-reliable Jason Gillespie, who scored his second half-century in a short span of time. Pakistan struggled to make any impact as the duo went on its merry ways. Earlier, Adam Gilchrist contributed a typically aggressive 48. For Pakistan, Shoaib Akhtar and Danish Kaneria bowled with great heart. But it wasn't good enough to prevent Australia from taking a slender but important lead in the context of the game.

It was then left to the Pakistani batsmen to bring the team back into the game. But Glenn McGrath wouldn't let them do so. The tourists struggled against the accurate and probing line of McGrath. Salman Butt, the half-centurion in the first innings, fell without scoring and after that, it was all one-way traffic as Pakistan kept losing one wicket after the other. Younis Khan and Yousuf Youhana, who resurrected Pakistan in the first innings, couldn't repeat their feat in the second essay. Both fell without making substantial contributions. Shoaib Malik was the lone ranger for Pakistan with a defiant 41. With some support from Abdul Razzaq, who was hospitalised after complaining of breathing problems, Pakistan managed to extend their innings for a while. But Shane Warne then took over and cleaned up the tail with three scalps.

Australia did not have too much trouble chasing a target of just over 120. Both Hayden and Ponting made up for their first-innings failure with quickfire half centuries. The duo was especially severe on Danish Kaneria, hitting the leggie to all parts of the ground. In the end, it was another disappointment for Pakistan, who were very much in the game for most parts, but did not have enough gas in the tank to maintain the momentum.

They can however take heart from a few credible performances. Yousuf Youhana himself played a marvellous knock in the first innings. Younis Khan and Salman Butt also stood up to the Aussie bowlers and troubled them a bit. But unfortunately, none of them came good when the team desperately needed them to fire in the second innings. Among the bowlers, Shoaib Akhtar undoubtedly stood out with five scalps. After his performances in the first two Tests, one can safely say that he is more than just a showman in international cricket. Ask Hayden and Ponting, who struggled against him. Danish Kaneria also had some success. But his wicket-taking ability hasn't been consistent for someone who has been around for long enough now.

Australia once again proved why they are the Numero Uno side in both forms of cricket. After being cornered by the Pakistani lions, the Kangaroos came back fighting and laid the opposition low. It was a complete team effort by the hosts. Almost all the batsmen made substantial contributions to the team, while the wickets were shared among Gillespie, McGrath, Warne and Kasprowicz. The Man of the Match award deservedly went to Damien Martyn, who took his team from a dodgy situation to a position of strength.

With this victory, Australia have registered yet another series victory and ended another successful year on a high note. But there is one more hurdle to climb for them in the new year. Of late, they have developed a habit of losing the last Test of a series, the Mumbai loss being the latest instance. Sydney gives them the opportunity to set the record straight.