In a dramatic turn of events, Pakistan secured a stunning nine-wicket victory over England in the third Test match held in Rawalpindi, decisively clinching the series. The Pakistani spin duo, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, wreaked havoc on the English batting lineup, leaving them profoundly shaken as they crumbled to a mere 112 runs.
Noman’s bowling brilliance was on full display as he dismantled the English order with astonishing figures of 6 for 42, while Sajid provided formidable support with 4 for 69. This match followed a peculiar trajectory: England initially triumphed in the first Test by an innings and 47 runs, only to be outplayed in the second Test, where Pakistan rebounded considerably, winning by a sizable margin of 152 runs, both contests unfolding in Multan.
As the series reached its climax in Rawalpindi, Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel emerged as a beacon of resilience, notching a commendable century that anchored his team and set the stage for England’s impending doom. The match saw England staggering at 24 for 3, succumbing to the turn of the pitch, which proved ideal for spinners.
Desperate to overturn a 77-run deficit, England’s hopes were quickly dashed as the skilled spinners picked apart their batting lineup. Sajid Khan initiated the wave of destruction by dismissing Ben Duckett for a paltry 12 runs. Not long after, the rising star Noman Ali struck again, removing Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope within the span of just five runs, adding to the visitors’ woes.
As the skies darkened and bad light curtailed play on the second day, Joe Root and Harry Brook found themselves barely hanging on, with mere scores of 5 and 3 respectively. Observational remarks from BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew encapsulated the frantic atmosphere: “They can’t wait to get off the field,” he said, highlighting the palpable pressure on England’s side.
As it stood, England required an additional 53 runs to stave off a humiliating innings defeat, clinging to the fragile hope of their remaining seven wickets.
The series was tightly contested, leveled at 1-1, with the first Test going decisively to England before Pakistan rebounded emphatically in the second. Yet, on this day dominated by spin, Saud Shakeel’s masterful 134 overshadowed all, pushing Pakistan tantalizingly close to their first home Test series win since their triumph against South Africa back in February 2021.
Shakeel’s inning was a testament to grit and determination, as he navigated through the perilous waters of Pakistan’s batting collapse, rescuing them from 177 for 7 to a commendable all-out score of 344. “We had an idea that this pitch would help spinners, so I prepared myself accordingly,” Shakeel reflected post-match, recognizing the significance of this innings in his career.
Alongside Shakeel in the trenches was Noman, who valiantly contributed with 45 runs, creating crucial partnerships that suffocated the English bowling attack. The left-hander’s innings spanned over 322 minutes, showcasing patience and tenacity as he hit just five boundaries throughout.
Rehan Ahmed from England showcased volatility with his 4 for 66, while counterpart Shoaib Bashir lurked ominously with figures of 3 for 129, yet their efforts were in vain against Shakeel’s steadfast resistance.
As the day rolled on, it was clear: England faced an uphill battle, with their batting order crumbling under the pressure, and Pakistan, buoyed by Shakeel’s resilience and the spinning prowess of their bowlers, stood at the cusp of achieving a historic series victory. The stage was set for the final days of play, with the outcome hanging delicately in the balance.
