England’s second Test match against Pakistan stands on a knife edge as the visitors ended day three at 36-2, chasing a daunting target of 297 runs in Multan. The dynamic day saw Ben Duckett, who had scored a century in the first innings, dismissed for a duck, while fellow opener Zak Crawley contributed just three runs before being stumped. Ollie Pope (21 not out) and Joe Root (12 not out) managed to hold the fort, guiding England through to the end of play.
With 261 runs needed on day four, England aims to secure a 2-0 lead in the three-Test series, while Pakistan seeks to capture eight wickets to level the series. The Multan pitch has favored spinners significantly, with Jack Leach (3-67) and Shoaib Bashir (4-66) wreaking havoc, bowling Pakistan out for 221 in their second innings.
England faced frustration as Salman Ali Agha scored a resilient 63, providing a silver lining for Pakistan after being dropped twice in a single over. In the morning session, Sajid Khan showcased his bowling prowess, taking seven wickets overall, which effectively dismantled England’s innings after they added 59 runs to their overnight score of 239-6.
Pakistan’s Early Wickets Boost Hope
As Pakistan were bowled out for 221, concerns arose for England, especially with Duckett’s dismissal early on. After slipping to a duck off Sajid’s third delivery, Duckett’s early exit caused further anxiety when Crawley followed suit soon after. Nonetheless, Pope and Root successfully navigated the remaining overs to close out the day with a 25-run partnership for the third wicket.
England is vying for a consecutive fifth Test victory over Pakistan, and as they pursue a potentially monumental chase, they face the challenge of not having won a Test match in Asia when chasing a target of 250 runs or more.
Outstanding Spin Bowling Dominates Play
Leach and Bashir capitalized on the Multan conditions, combining to take seven wickets as they restricted Pakistan’s innings. Bashir struck first, claiming the opener Abdullah Shafique. Captain Shan Masood had another disappointing outing, managing only 14 runs across both innings.
Kamran Ghulam, the first innings centurion, looked strong early in the chase for more runs but fell victim to Leach. In contrast, Salman Ali Agha held his ground, striking boundaries and helping Pakistan extend their lead before eventually being dismissed for 63. England narrowly missed opportunities for additional wickets due to dropped catches that kept Pakistan’s lead inflated.
As the second Test approaches its concluding day, all eyes will be on how England manages the chase against a challenging target laid out by the Pakistani bowlers. The outcome remains uncertain as both teams fight for their respective objectives, marking an exciting conclusion to a gripping contest. Tune in for exclusive coverage on October 19, as England seeks to secure their position in this thrilling showdown.
