In a gripping display of spin bowling, Pakistan’s Sajid Khan and Noman Ali left England in disarray at 24-3 during the series-deciding third Test in Rawalpindi on Friday. This match is pivotal, with the series tied at 1-1 after each team won a Test in Multan.
After Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel anchored the innings with a brilliant 134, leading the team to a total of 344 all out, England faced a challenging target to erase a deficit of 77 runs. Sajid Khan struck first, dismissing Ben Duckett for just 12 runs. Noman Ali quickly followed, removing Zak Crawley (2) and Ollie Pope (1) within a mere five runs. With bad light ending the day’s play, Joe Root and Harry Brook were at the crease with scores of five and three, respectively.
Also Read: Saud Shakeel Helps Pakistan Gain 77-Run Lead on Day 2 of 3rd Test Against England
Shakeel’s gritty performance proved crucial, especially during an eighth-wicket partnership of 88 runs with Noman, who contributed 45 runs. This stand turned the tide for Pakistan, who had stumbled to 177-7 earlier in their innings. Shakeel’s patience and skill shone through, as he faced 223 balls and struck five boundaries to reach his fourth Test century.
While England’s young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed took 4 wickets for 66 runs, his teammates struggled to replicate the same success against Pakistan’s spinners. With 53 runs needed to avoid an innings defeat and seven wickets in hand, England faces a daunting task as they head into the third day of play, with the pressure mounting.
