Saud Shakeel raises his bat after scoring 134, while Pakistan's spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan celebrate England's collapse at 24 for 3 during the second day's play of the 3rd Test in Rawalpindi, 2024.

England versus Pakistan Test Series, 2024

3rd Test

Day-2 Evening Session Highlights:

Saud Shakeel and spinners has propelled the Pakistan team to dominance in Rawalpindi

Shakeel crafted a brilliant 134.

At The Stumps of Day-2:

England scored 267 (1st Innings) and 24/3 (2nd Innings), where as Pakistan scored 344 (1st Innings).

So, finally England trail by 53 runs.

Pakistan seized total control of the third Test in Rawalpindi on a gripping second day of play.

Saud Shakeel (134) anchored the innings masterfully, while spinners Noman Ali (45) and Sajid Khan (48*) contributed valuable runs, helping Pakistan secure a 77-run lead.

The two spinners then wreaked havoc with the ball in the final hour, reducing England to 24 for 3, still trailing by 53 runs.

Shakeel, who had been cautious throughout his knock, accelerated after Tea, slog-sweeping Jack Leach for a boundary.

However, the real fireworks came from Sajid, who hammered two sixes and a four in a single 19-run over off Bashir.

Even after a cut on his face, Sajid remained unfazed, smashing another boundary off Leach.

Shakeel eventually fell, lofting one to mid-wicket, and Zahid Mahmood was bowled by young leg spinner Rehan Ahmed, who claimed his fourth wicket, leaving Sajid stranded on 48 as Pakistan’s innings came to an end.

Pakistan immediately turned to spin, starting with Saim Ayub, though his brief stint caused little concern.

Sajid and Noman then took over for the remaining overs of the day.

Ben Duckett briefly counter-attacked, sweeping Sajid for consecutive boundaries as England reached 15 for 0 in just three overs.

Zak Crawley survived an LBW appeal due to a thick inside edge, but Pakistan soon gained the upper hand.

Duckett, playing for turn, was trapped LBW by Sajid, a decision overturned via DRS.

Things worsened for England as Crawley was dismissed LBW by Noman, and Ollie Pope’s poor series continued, caught at slip for just one.

Harry Brook and Joe Root managed to survive until Stumps, leaving England reeling at 24 for 3.

Earlier, England’s young leg spinner Rehan Ahmed had put Pakistan on the back foot, taking three quick wickets in his first six overs, leaving the hosts at 187 for 7 by Tea.

Along with Bashir and Leach, the spin trio bowled tight lines, forcing Pakistan’s batters to err.

Saud Shakeel, who watched England pick up regular wickets, held firm and brought up a hard-fought century, relying heavily on strike rotation rather than boundaries.

Shakeel and Noman’s vital 88-run stand after Lunch brought Pakistan level with England at Tea.

With a 53-run lead and the visitors struggling, Pakistan is now poised to chase only their second home Test win in three-and-a-half years.

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