On the opening day of the third England vs Pakistan Test between England and Pakistan in Rawalpindi, Jamie Smith’s resilient 89 helped England post a competitive 267. Despite Sajid Khan’s six-wicket haul and the tricky conditions of the turning pitch, England fought back, ending the day with Pakistan at 73 for 3, trailing by 194 runs. The England vs Paksitan game can go anywhere in the course of 3
England’s captain, Ben Stokes, won his first toss in eight attempts, a significant moment on a pitch that had everyone guessing. The conditions were far from Rawalpindi’s usual flat surface, which traditionally favors batting. Instead, it was England who benefited, navigating the unpredictable bounce with grit and determination. Smith’s 89, combined with a crucial 107-run partnership with Gus Atkinson (39), gave England a fighting chance after they had slumped to 118 for 6.
Sajid Khan’s Six-Wicket Haul Keeps Pakistan in the Game
Sajid Khan was Pakistan’s hero once again, finishing with figures of 6 for 128 in 29.2 overs. This marked his third career five-wicket haul and his second in this series. Sajid’s relentless bowling kept England in check, particularly after Smith and Atkinson’s counterattack had threatened to push England toward 300.
England’s innings started confidently enough, with Ben Duckett scoring a solid 52. However, a strong foundation at 56 for 0 quickly unraveled as the team lost five wickets for just 42 runs. Sajid, alongside left-arm spinner Noman Ali (3 for 88), exploited the pitch’s irregular bounce. They bowled 57 of the 68.2 overs, with no pace bowler used for only the second time in Test history.
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England’s batting collapse saw Zak Crawley (playing his 50th Test) fall for 23, followed by a series of dismissals to deliveries that kept unexpectedly low. Ollie Pope managed just 3 off 14 balls before being trapped leg-before by Noman, while Duckett, Joe Root, and Harry Brook fell to deliveries that barely bounced. At 110 for 5 by lunch, England looked in trouble.
England vs Pakistan, England Capitalizes on Unpredictable Pindi Pitch
The turning point came after lunch when Smith and Atkinson took control. Smith’s composed half-century, his first overseas, came off 94 balls. But it was their partnership’s final burst of 39 runs in just 21 balls that shifted momentum. Atkinson launched into legspinner Zahid Mahmood, striking three boundaries in one over, while Smith followed with a flurry of sixes. A dropped catch by Saud Shakeel at long-on proved costly, as Smith added more boundaries before being dismissed nine short of a century.
Sajid ended England’s innings by dismissing both tailenders, completing his six-for and bringing his tally to 15 wickets in three innings since his recall. Pakistan’s spin duo had shared all 20 of England’s wickets in the previous Test, and they continued to dominate in Rawalpindi.
Pakistan’s Top Order Falters in Response to England’s 267
In reply, Pakistan’s top order struggled. Abdullah Shafique was the first to go, trapped by a spinning delivery from Ahmed Bashir for 16. England’s Jack Leach then claimed the wicket of Saim Ayub, caught by Joe Root at midwicket. Kamran Ghulan, Pakistan’s centurion from the previous Test, was bowled by Atkinson for just 3.
At stumps, Shan Masood (16*) and Saud Shakeel (16*) remained unbeaten, with Pakistan still trailing by 194 runs. Day two promises more drama as England looks to press their advantage, while Pakistan will aim to rebuild and level the series.
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