On day two of the third and final test in Rawalpindi on Friday, Pakistan’s spinners destroyed England’s top order to boost their hopes of a memorable series victory thanks to Saud Shakeel’s skillful 134.
Pakistan had fallen to 46-3, but in a remarkable turnaround, Saud put together four 50-plus partnerships, including one with tailenders Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, to reach 344 all out, a lead of 77.
When bad lighting stopped play at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan consolidated their position even further by defeating England 24-3.
England’s survival depends on Joe Root, who bats on five, and Harry Brook, who bats on three, must also rise to the occasion when play resumes on Saturday.
Ben Stokes, the captain of England, started the day with spin from both ends. On number 26, Saud saved the day when he edged Shoaib Bashir low into wicketkeeper Jamie Smith’s shin.
However, Pakistan captain Shan Masood was removed for 26, caught in the second slip, by off-spinner Bashir.
Mohammad Rizwan was caught for 25 by Rehan Ahmed (4-66), who was brought in somewhat late but quickly made his mark. On his way back to the pavilion, Rizwan attempted to overturn the decision by burning a review.
Rehan removed Salman Agha in the same manner in his subsequent over and then foxed Aamer Jamal with a googly, which the batter was only able to glove to his stumps.
Saud and Noman, who joined in a 88-run represent the eighth wicket, batted unflinchingly to disappoint Britain.
Before engaging in a fist-bump with Noman, Saud raised his fist in a subdued celebration after taking a single from Rehman to reach 100.
England’s only victory in the post-lunch session came from Bashir’s 45-lbw dismissal of Noman, but Pakistan’s tail continued to score valuable runs.
After a run-a-ball 48, number 10 batter Sajid, who remained unbeaten, scored primarily on boundaries, including four sixes.
Sajid had to change his shirt because he had deflected a ball into his face while trying to play a scoop shot, leaving him with a bleeding chin.
With a short pitch, Gus Atkinson ended Saud’s vigil by getting the batter to the middle-wicket fielder. In his meticulous, disciplined performance, Saud only made five fours.
After successfully challenging the initial not-out decision, Sajid came back in the second over and struck out England’s opener Ben Duckett (12) lbw.
Noman let go of Zak Crawley for the fourth time in the series, extending Ollie Pope’s poor run of play and putting Pakistan in control.
