Pakistan faced a stiff challenge from England’s spinners in their second innings of the second Test, with Shoaib Bashir claiming three key wickets. Despite the setbacks, Pakistan managed to extend their lead to 118 runs by lunch on day three at the Multan Cricket Stadium. England, who were bowled out for 291 earlier, kept themselves in the game as Pakistan closed the morning session at 43/3.
Sajid Khan’s seven-wicket haul in England’s first innings proved crucial in giving Pakistan a lead, but England’s spin duo, Jack Leach and Bashir, made sure the game remained finely poised. Saim Ayub, who looked settled, was dismissed for 22 by Bashir, while Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique fell cheaply, leaving Pakistan in a delicate position.
With 58 overs still to be bowled today, the afternoon session is expected to be pivotal in determining the course of this tightly-contested match.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s spinners were in full control, bowling England out for 291 in their first innings. Sajid Khan, who spearheaded the attack with sharp turn and control, took seven wickets, leaving England’s batsmen in disarray. His consistent accuracy restricted England’s scoring, forcing them to rely on occasional boundaries to move the scoreboard.
Noman Ali supported Khan, taking three wickets, including the crucial scalp of Jamie Smith, who top-scored for England with 21 before being caught at long-off. England’s lower order faltered against Pakistan’s spin, with Jack Leach unbeaten on 6 as the innings concluded.
Despite being bowled out for 291, England had earlier shown dominance in Pakistan’s first innings, reducing the hosts to 366. England’s openers initially set a rapid pace in their reply, but Pakistan’s spinners, led by Sajid Khan, struck back swiftly. At the end of 53 overs, England found themselves at 239/6, with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse at the crease.
Sajid Khan continued his fine form, claiming four wickets, including the dismissal of England’s centurion Ben Duckett, who scored a fluent 114 from 129 balls. Khan also removed Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Harry Brook. Noman Ali contributed by taking the wickets of Zak Crawley and England’s captain, Ben Stokes.
Pakistan’s first innings recap
Earlier in the match, Pakistan was bowled out for 366 runs in their first innings after resuming on 259-5. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan added just five more runs to his overnight score before being dismissed for 41. Aamir Jamal scored 37, while Noman Ali contributed a useful 32 runs.
Pakistan also lost Salman Agha, who was caught by Jamie Smith off Matthew Potts for 31 just before the drinks break. Despite these losses, Pakistan’s total gave them a slight edge heading into the second innings.
Day one summary
Pakistan’s innings on day one had a shaky start as they lost Abdullah Shafique (7), captain Shan Masood (3), and Saud Shakeel (4) early, leaving them struggling at 19/2.
However, debutant Kamran Ghulam and Saim Ayub stabilized the innings with a strong 149-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Ghulam’s century (118) and Ayub’s 77 helped Pakistan post a competitive first-innings score.
England’s Jack Leach led the bowling attack with two wickets, while Shoaib Bashir, Matthew Potts, and Brydon Carse each took one wicket.
Toss and teams
Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to set a challenging total for England. England, led by Ben Stokes, entered the match brimming with confidence after their victory in the first Test.
Pakistan Squad: Shan Masood (c), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Kamran Ghulam, Nauman Ali, Zahid Mahmood, Sajid Khan
England Squad: Ben Stokes (c), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir
The afternoon session is set to be crucial as both teams vie for control in what has been an evenly balanced contest so far.
