Rawalpindi, Oct 24 (UNI) Pakistan found themselves trailing by 194 runs in reply to England’s total of 267 all out, as stumps were drawn on day one of the third Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Sajid Khan led Pakistan’s bowling efforts, claiming his third five-wicket haul in Test cricket with figures of 6-128 from 29.2 overs. Despite England’s middle-order collapse, half-centuries from Jamie Smith (89 off 119 balls, 5 fours, 6 sixes) and Ben Duckett (52 off 84 balls, 4 fours, 1 six), coupled with a handy 39 from Gus Atkinson, allowed England to recover from a precarious position.
Pakistan, in response, reached 73-3 in 23 overs by the close of play. Shan Masood (16 not out) and Saud Shakeel (16 not out) were holding fort at the crease after England’s bowlers made early inroads.
Shoaib Bashir claimed the first wicket by dismissing Abdullah Shafique in the 10th over, breaking a 35-run opening stand. Saim Ayub (19) and Kamran Ghulam (3) were sent back shortly after, with Jack Leach and Gus Atkinson chipping in for England.
Earlier, England chose to bat first but struggled after a 56-run opening partnership. Noman Ali gave Pakistan the breakthrough by removing Zak Crawley for 29. England’s middle-order then crumbled, losing five wickets in just over 13 overs, with Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Harry Brook all failing to reach double figures.
Jamie Smith, batting at No. 7, played a pivotal role in stabilising England’s innings, adding 105 runs for the seventh wicket with Atkinson before Noman Ali broke the partnership in the 60th over. Smith was dismissed 11 short of a century after top-edging a delivery from Zahid, caught by Mohammad Rizwan.
Noman Ali supported Sajid with 3-88, while Zahid picked up a solitary wicket for 44 runs.
As day two approaches, Pakistan will aim to close the deficit and build a solid first-innings reply.
