The Test match of the year?

Pakistan were written off after a first-innings collapse. They came up with a typically Pakistani reply in the second innings, nearly pulling off one of the greatest chases in Test history.

After nine consecutive Test defeats in Australia, Pakistan's incredible fourth-innings resilience brought cheer.

I have not seen Pakistan team performing like this before against Australia.No matter what the result they are really fighting hard.Welldone

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) 19 December 2016

Great fightback by Pak in Brisbane led by gutsy Shafiq.There's no shame in losing when team fights to the last ball. They have made us proud

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) 19 December 2016

Great game by @TheRealPCB. The whole of Pakistan is proud of u. Keep going champions, u guys r d WINNERS irrespective of the result.

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) 19 December 2016

Pakistan earned plenty of praise from the pundits for their 450 all out.

And so the excitement is over!! Brilliant test match from Australia and Pakistan, best team won but I am a big fan of this Pak team!

— Graeme Swann (@Swannyg66) 19 December 2016

Brilliant Test match! Pakistan were outstanding in the 2nd innings but the Aussies made enough runs. Love this game.

— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) 19 December 2016

I applaud the Pakistan cricket team for their courageous chase! #unlucky
Well done to Australia to a great win! @mcg here we come!

— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) 19 December 2016

Others touted it as the best Test of the year.

Historic. A brilliant fighting effort from @TheRealPCB. I am so proud that the lads went down fighting. #TheTestMatchOfTheYear. #AUSvPAK

— Inzamam-ul-Haq (@InziTheLegend) 19 December 2016

What a terrific effort from Pakistan! Gigantic. This easily qualifies for #TheTestMatchOfTheYear. #AUSvPAK

— Mushtaq Ahmed (@Mushy_online) 19 December 2016

"Pakistan, you beauty!"@TheRealPCB #TheTestMatchOfTheYear #AUSvPAK

— Mohammad Irfan (@M_IrfanOfficial) 19 December 2016

Pakistan's tail is not known for its batting ability.

111 by Amir, Wahab and Yasir. That's kinda insane given how our tail used to be.

— Ahmer Naqvi (@karachikhatmal) 19 December 2016

Even in defeat that's arguably the best Pakistan batting performance in Australia in over 20 years. #AusvPak

— Kamran Abbasi (@KamranAbbasi) 19 December 2016

For the first time in my life, I'm actually looking forward to Pakistan playing the Boxing Day test at MCG.

— Umair Javed (@umairjav) 19 December 2016

The one sour note for Test cricket fans was the tiny crowd at hand to watch the nerve-shredding finale.

Only Test cricket would allow such an amazing finale to be played out in front of the smallest crowd of the match #AusvPak

— Tim (@timwig_cricket) 19 December 2016