Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel delivered a brilliant century, steering his team into a commanding position after two intense days of the series-deciding Test in Rawalpindi. Shakeel’s composed 134, coupled with crucial lower-order support from Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, lifted Pakistan to a total of 344, giving them a lead of 77 runs over England.
Pakistan’s spinners then wreaked havoc late in the day, as Noman and Sajid combined to claim the wickets of Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope, leaving England reeling at 24-3 and trailing by 53 runs.
Pakistan’s Lower Order Resurgence
At 177-7, Pakistan looked to be in serious trouble, with Rehan Ahmed’s three-wicket burst threatening to swing the match in England’s favor. However, a gritty eighth-wicket stand of 88 between Shakeel and Noman Ali turned the game on its head. Noman’s resilient 45 provided much-needed support as Shakeel stood firm, frustrating the English bowlers throughout the afternoon.
Even after Noman was trapped lbw by Shoaib Bashir, Pakistan’s resistance didn’t end. Sajid Khan stepped up with an aggressive 48 not out, adding 72 more runs alongside Shakeel. England, who had hoped to bat comfortably before stumps, were instead left in disarray as Noman and Sajid returned to trouble them with the ball.
Shakeel’s Stellar Performance Anchors Pakistan
Shakeel’s innings was a masterpiece of patience and skill. Walking in at 46-3, his calm presence at the crease gradually turned the tide in Pakistan’s favor. His 70 singles in the first 100 runs demonstrated his adeptness in rotating the strike, particularly against spin, a hallmark of his game. His boundary count was modest—just four fours—highlighting his ability to grind down the English attack with careful shot selection.
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England’s spinners, despite the slow surface, were unable to contain Shakeel, who consistently pushed the ball into gaps and found partners in the lower order. Noman played his part, surviving a few scares, including a close lbw review and a near-run-out, to stick with Shakeel until England took the new ball.
Shakeel eventually brought up his fourth Test century with a tucked single off Ahmed, cementing Pakistan’s control. Though he was eventually dismissed, caught at mid-wicket off Gus Atkinson, his efforts ensured Pakistan would go into the final innings with a crucial lead.
England’s Missed Opportunities
England had their chances but faltered in key moments. Ahmed’s initial breakthrough—dismissing Mohammad Rizwan lbw and sending Salman Ali Agha and Aamer Jamal back to the pavilion—looked like it could set up a dominant position. But once again, England’s struggle to clean up the tail hurt them. Under Ben Stokes’ captaincy, England have conceded more runs to the lower order than any other Test side, and this match was no different as Pakistan added 167 after their seventh wicket fell.
In response, England’s top order crumbled. Duckett was trapped lbw by Sajid on review, Crawley fell to a skidding delivery from Noman, and Pope’s edge off Noman was caught off the glove, putting England in a perilous position.
With two days still to play, England will need a monumental effort to avoid defeat, as Pakistan’s spinners continue to hold the upper hand.
Third Test, Rawalpindi (Day 2 of 5)
England 267 (Smith 89, Duckett 52; Sajid 6-128) & 24-3 (Noman 2-9)
Pakistan 344 (Shakeel 134, Sajid 48*; Ahmed 4-66)
Pakistan leads by 53 runs.
