Rawalpindi, Oct 25 (UNI) A resilient century from Saud Shakeel steered Pakistan to a commanding position against England on day two of the third Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
By stumps, Pakistan had established a 77-run lead, dismissing England’s top order for 24-3 in nine overs of their second innings, with England now trailing by 53 runs.
Noman Ali struck early, removing opener Zak Crawley (2 off 12 balls) and Ollie Pope (1 off 15 balls) in quick succession. Ben Duckett (12 off 15 balls, 2x4s) also fell cheaply to Sajid Khan, leaving Joe Root (5 not out off 7 balls) and Harry Brook (3 not out off 5 balls) to resume England’s innings on day three.
Earlier, Pakistan, resuming at an overnight 73-3, managed to post 344 all out, thanks in large part to Saud Shakeel’s gritty knock of 134 from 223 balls. Saud’s innings was marked by a cautious start, sharing a 53-run stand with Shan Masood (26 off 70 balls), which was ended by pacer Shoaib Bashir in the 36th over.
Mohammad Rizwan provided brief support, scoring 25 runs from 46 balls with a four and a six, forming a 52-run partnership with Saud before Rehan Ahmed trapped him leg before wicket. Rehan proved pivotal, also claiming Salman Ali Agha and Aamir Jamal, which left Pakistan teetering at 177-7 in 58 overs.
However, Saud’s partnership with Noman Ali (45 off 84 balls) for an 88-run eighth-wicket stand helped Pakistan regain stability. Saud reached his century off 181 balls in the 79th over, eventually forming another rapid 72-run stand with Sajid Khan, who scored an unbeaten 48 off 48 balls, laced with four sixes and two fours.
Rehan Ahmed ended with impressive figures of 4-66, supported by Shoaib Bashir’s 3-129, while Gus Atkinson and Jack Leach shared the remaining wickets.
With England on the back foot, day three promises a decisive battle as Pakistan eyes further control.
Brief scores
England 267 all out, 68.2 overs (Jamie Smith 89, Ben Duckett 52, Gus Atkinson 39, Zak Crawley 29; Sajid Khan 6-128, Noman Ali 3-88, Zahid Mehmood 1-44) & 24-3, 9 overs (Ben Duckett 12; Noman Ali 2-9, Sajid Khan 1-14)
Pakistan 344 all out, 96.4 overs (Saud Shakeel 134, Sajid Khan 48 not out, Noman Ali 45, Shan Masood 26; Rehan Ahmed 4-66, Shoaib Bashir 3-129, Gus Atkinson 2-22)
