Rawalpindi: Pakistan’s spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali left England in disarray at 24-3 by the end of the second day’s play in the series-deciding third Test on Friday. Earlier, Saud Shakeel’s brilliant century of 134 had put Pakistan in a commanding position as they seek their first home Test series victory since 2021.
Chasing a deficit of 77, England was unable to respond effectively to Pakistan’s spinners on a pitch favoring turn. Sajid dismissed opener Ben Duckett for 12, while Noman took the crucial wickets of Zak Crawley (2) and Ollie Pope (1) within five runs. As bad light ended play with five overs remaining, England was left reeling with Joe Root and Harry Brook at the crease, each on five and three runs, respectively.
The visitors are still 53 runs short of avoiding an innings defeat with only seven wickets left, setting up a potentially difficult path over the remaining three days of play.
Shakeel’s Gritty Century Lifts Pakistan
In a day dominated by spin, Shakeel’s resilient knock stood out as he held Pakistan’s innings together. Pakistan had slumped to 177-7 before Shakeel’s century partnership first with Noman and then with Sajid helped them reach a competitive total of 344.
“We anticipated the pitch would support spinners, so I prepared accordingly,” Shakeel commented post-innings. Spanning 322 minutes and 223 balls, his disciplined innings featured only five boundaries, showing restraint and focus as he navigated the turning track.
Despite Pakistan’s eventual lead, England’s young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed proved to be their standout bowler, taking 4-66 and briefly putting England in control. Ahmed’s quick strikes in the first session left Pakistan at 187-7, threatening to hand England the advantage. However, Shakeel’s partnerships with Noman and later with Sajid turned the momentum back in Pakistan’s favor.
Ahmed remained optimistic about England’s chances, stating, “We have a strong batting lineup, so we’re still positive about tomorrow.”
Key Partnerships Steer Pakistan to a Strong Position
Shakeel’s determination shone as he built an 88-run partnership with Noman Ali, who contributed 45 before falling to Shoaib Bashir right before tea. Shakeel then added a further 72 runs with Sajid Khan, who scored an unbeaten career-best 48. Shakeel’s innings finally ended with a mistimed pull off Gus Atkinson, while Rehan Ahmed dismissed Zahid Mahmood for a duck to close out Pakistan’s innings.
England’s spinners, Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir, couldn’t generate the same sharp turn as Pakistan’s Sajid Khan, who claimed six wickets on the first day. England had initially been aiming for a first-innings lead, but the Shakeel-Noman partnership shifted the momentum, leaving the visitors frustrated.
As the third day looms, Pakistan remains firmly in control, needing only seven wickets to secure a series win. With the pitch offering significant spin, England’s survival will require disciplined batting against Pakistan’s potent spin attack.
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