Shakeel, Sajid, and Noman Lead Pakistan’s Fightback Against England
In an exciting turn of events during the third Test between Pakistan and England, Pakistan has taken a strong position, thanks to Saud Shakeel’s gutsy century and impressive all-round contributions from Noman Ali and Sajid Khan. This gripping Test match, held in Rawalpindi, has already seen plenty of ups and downs over the first two days, setting up a possible home series win for Pakistan since 2021.
Shakeel’s Century Lifts Pakistan
Pakistan’s first innings ended at 344, giving them a 77-run lead over England’s first-innings score of 267. The standout performance came from Saud Shakeel, who scored a vital 134 off 223 balls, his fourth Test century. Shakeel’s knock was built on patience and resilience, as he guided the lower order and helped Pakistan recover from 46 for 3. His innings featured only five boundaries, showing the old-fashioned grit needed in tough situations.
He found crucial support from Noman Ali, who scored 45, and Sajid Khan, who remained unbeaten on 48. Their partnerships added 88 and 72 runs for the eighth and ninth wickets, giving Pakistan a significant edge.
England’s Bowling Fluctuations
England seemed to be in control during the morning session, reducing Pakistan to 177 for 7, largely due to Rehan Ahmed’s brilliant spell. The young leg-spinner took 4 wickets for 66 runs, including dismissing Pakistan’s lower order. However, the visitors struggled to maintain their grip as Shakeel, alongside Noman and Sajid, led Pakistan to a competitive total.
Rehan’s effort included a quick spell before lunch, where he picked up 3 wickets for 24 runs in just eight overs. Despite his initial success, Pakistan’s middle and lower order fought back, leaving England frustrated.
A Late Collapse for England
England’s troubles deepened as Pakistan’s bowlers came charging in. By the end of the day, England was left struggling at 24 for 3, still 53 runs behind. Sajid Khan struck early, trapping Ben Duckett lbw, while Noman Ali dismissed Zak Crawley with an arm ball, marking the fourth time in the series that Crawley had fallen to Noman. Ollie Pope’s dismissal to a catch at slip, after a deflection off wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan’s gloves, added to England’s woes.
Shakeel’s Key Moments and Partnerships
Shakeel’s century was a display of determination. He reached his 50 from 92 balls and later brought up his century with a single, completing a memorable milestone against England. Throughout his innings, he played a crucial role in building partnerships. He was involved in four half-century stands: with Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan for consolidating the innings, and with Noman and Sajid for accelerating towards a competitive total.
Shakeel’s patient knock included surviving a scare on 26 when a chance off Shoaib Bashir’s bowling was missed by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, who couldn’t gather a low catch. Pakistan made the most of these opportunities, with Noman hitting a few aggressive shots, including six boundaries and four sixes.
England’s Struggles and Missed Opportunities
England had their moments but failed to capitalize. They reduced Pakistan to 187 for 7 at one stage, but couldn’t break the crucial Shakeel-Noman and Shakeel-Sajid partnerships. The bowlers struggled with consistency, and captain Ben Stokes’ field placements and bowling changes raised questions, especially when Pakistan’s lower order started taking control.
Even a blow to Sajid’s chin, which drew blood, didn’t deter him from going after the England bowlers. England’s decision-making, including bringing in Joe Root’s spin late and Gus Atkinson’s delayed use, didn’t help their cause.
What’s Next?
With a deficit of 53 runs, England will need a solid performance on day three to turn things around. Joe Root and Harry Brook, who starred in the first Test, are the remaining hopes for England to get back into the match. But as this Test has already shown, fortunes can change quickly in cricket, and Pakistan has momentum on their side.
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