Pakistan on Top as England Stumble in Pursuit of 297 on a Thrilling Day 3
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| England ended the day at 36/2 in 11 overs, chasing 297 runs with 8 wickets in hand / Getty |
Pakistan tightened their grip on the third Test against England at the end of Day 3, with the visitors struggling at 36/2 in their second innings, still needing 261 runs to win with 8 wickets in hand.
Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali, made early inroads as England’s chase faltered under pressure.
England began the day trailing by 75 runs in their first innings, with Jamie Smith (21) and Brydon Carse (4) resuming at the crease. However, Sajid Khan, who has been in stellar form throughout the series, dismantled England's lower order, claiming three of the last four wickets. Nauman Ali, meanwhile, picked up one wicket, marking a significant personal milestone by reaching 50 wickets in Test cricket.
Despite a valiant unbeaten 25 from Jack Leach, England were bowled out for 291, falling 75 runs short of Pakistan’s first-innings total of 366. Sajid Khan was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, finishing with a five-wicket haul.
Pakistan, looking to build on their lead, had a shaky start in their second innings. Shoaib Bashir sent both Abdullah Shafique (4) and Shan Masood (11) packing within the first 10 overs. Saim Ayub (20) appeared settled but was dismissed on the final ball of the first session, leaving Pakistan at 44/3.
Kamran Ghulam (26) and Saud Shakeel (31) attempted to stabilize the innings in the second session, but Ghulam was dismissed by Jack Leach, leaving Pakistan struggling to build momentum. Mohammad Rizwan, in partnership with Shakeel, offered resistance, but Brydon Carse’s return to the attack proved effective. Carse trapped Rizwan for 23, dismissing him for the third time in the series, breaking a crucial partnership.
England’s bowlers continued to strike regularly, with Shakeel, Aamer Jamal, and Nauman Ali falling in quick succession. However, Agha Salman’s counter-attacking innings of 63 off 89 balls, in a 65-run ninth-wicket stand with Sajid Khan (22), helped Pakistan recover from 156/7 to post a competitive second-innings total of 221. Brydon Carse once again stood out for England, picking up 3 wickets in the innings.
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| Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir claimed 7 wickets for England / Getty |
Set a target of 297, England’s reply got off to the worst possible start as Sajid Khan removed Ben Duckett for a silver duck in the opening over. Nauman Ali added to England’s woes by dismissing Zak Crawley (3) in the fourth over, reducing the visitors to 11/2.
Ollie Pope (21*) and Joe Root (12*) managed to steady the ship in the final 7 overs, ensuring no further damage before stumps. The fourth day promises to be a pivotal one as England face a daunting chase, with Pakistan's spinners ready to exploit the deteriorating pitch.
Day 4 Outlook: England will need a massive effort from their remaining batters, especially Pope and Root, to steer the visitors towards a challenging target. Meanwhile, Pakistan, buoyed by their bowlers' performances, will look to continue their dominance and wrap up the match early.
Match Summary:
- Pakistan 1st Innings: 366 (Saud Shakeel 141, Abdullah Shafique 98, Sajid Khan 5/91)
- England 1st Innings: 291 (Ben Duckett 97, Zak Crawley 58, Sajid Khan 5/77)
- Pakistan 2nd Innings: 221 (Agha Salman 63, Jack Leach 4/68)
- England 2nd Innings: 36/2 (Ollie Pope 21*, Sajid Khan 1/13, Nauman Ali 1/16)
England need 261 more runs to win.