Just as it appeared that England might regain control of the match, Sajid Khan’s late four-wicket burst on Day 2 saw Pakistan storm back into the battle in Multan.
Ben Duckett, the England opener, did all in his power to take the initiative in response to Pakistan’s 366 on a tired pitch, much like his team had done in the first Test last week.
With three half-century stands at a run rate of about five an over, he amassed his fourth Test century off just 120 balls and left opposing captain Shan Masood scratching his head with his well-placed sweep strokes.
However, during that thrilling evening session, whenever England appeared to be in control of the middle, Sajid’s misplays brought Pakistan back into the game.
Sajid showed a noticeable improvement in the last session and produced a memorable dismissal of Ollie Pope, who was bowled through the gate while trying to drive, in the opening of a new stint after Tea.
Trying to sweep from outside off-stump, Joe Root chopped on, and the spinner ended another fifty-run stand. In Sajid’s subsequent over.
Centurion Ben Duckett was dismissed after edging a drive to slip, but Harry Brook may have been the intended recipient of the off-spinner’s best delivery. Brook attempted to punch through the covers later in the over but was bowled through the gate after taking a quick turn.
England dropped from 211/2 to 225/5 under Sajid’s influence, and they recently found themselves in uncharted terrain in Pakistan.
England had taken the lead up until Sajid turned the day around. It all began in the morning session when they took three crucial wickets.
The first person to fall was Mohammad Rizwan, who mishandled a short delivery from Brydon Carse. Previously, on 6 of 29, Agha Salman changed tack with a barrage of boundaries following his expulsion.
At the other end, Aamer Jamal provided him with unwavering assistance as the seventh-wicket combination enabled Pakistan to surpass 300 runs.
When Matthew Potts took advantage of the extra bounce in the pitch and got Salman to edge behind, the partnership came to an end. Jack Leach enticed Sajid into a drive shortly after the drinks break, and Sajid chipped the ball to cover, putting Pakistan eight down.
Noman Ali was caught in the deep by Jack Leach, who took his fourth wicket, ending Pakistan’s innings.
In contrast, England’s innings got off to a fast start as Tea led the visitors to 88 runs in just 17 overs. Zak Crawley broke a 73-run opening stand to be the lone breakthrough for Pakistan during the dull afternoon session.
To read more blog: Breaking Down the Latest Rankings: Latest Cricket News – InningsBreak Update
Crawley ended his exciting innings when he edged a delivery that turned away from Noman, but if Sajid Khan hadn’t disturbed the stumps before the throw reached him, he might have been run out on 20.
After six difficult days in the series for the hosts, Duckett and Root eventually found a lovely rhythm, but of course, that was when Sajid took matters into his own hands and brought Pakistan back on equal terms. To know more cricket highlights, bet pro exchange login.
Brief scores: England 239/6 (Duckett 114, Root 34; Sajid 4-86, Noman 2-75) trail Pakistan 366 (Kamran Ghulam 118, Saim Ayub 77, Mohammad Rizwan 41; Jack Leach 4-114, Brydon Carse 3-50) by 127 runs.
