Abdul Jabbar Faisal
RAWALPINDI: The historical Rawalpindi Test has entered into a decisive phase, as Pakistan needed 263 while England needed 8 wickets to earn the lead in the three-match rubber on the final day of the Pindi Test. Pakistan were 80 for 2 in 20 overs at the end of the fourth-day game here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
England set a 343 runs target for the opposition after declaring their second innings at 264 for 7 in 55.5 overs at the tea break. Earlier, Pakistan lost all ten batters at a total of 579. Agha Salam added valuable 53 runs to Pakistan’s total. Wil Jacks captured 6 for 161 runs, which was the best figure for the visitor side.
England batters played aggressively in 2nd innings
Once again, Harry Brook played an aggressive inning by hitting 11 fours and 3 sixes during his 65-balls innings, as all the Pakistani bowlers were helpless. Former England captain Joe Root also presented his batting class by scoring 73 runs in 63 deliveries. Zak Crawley of England scored 50 runs in 48 balls that supported his team to get some quick runs. He smashed seven fours.
Three Pakistani bowlers Mohammad Ali, Naseem Shah, and Zahid Mehmood shared 2 wickets each against 64, 66, and 84 runs respectively. Agha Salman got one wicket after giving 47 runs.
On Sunday morning, Pakistani batters, Agha Salman and Zahid Mehmood resumed their innings at 499 for 8 and added 80 runs to the team’s total. Green Shirts closed their first innings at 579 after playing 155.5 overs. The visitors earned a 78 runs lead over Pakistan before starting their second innings.
However, Agha Salam showed some aggression and hit some creaking strokes during his 53-run innings, which was a blend of seven fours and a huge six. Zahid scored 17 while Haris Rauf 12 runs. Mohammad Ali remained not out without scoring a single run.
English off-break bowler Will Jacks took six wickets for 161 runs while another slow bowler Jack Leach captured two wickets. James Anderson and Ollie Robinson shared each one wicket a piece.
England (Bowling):
Will Jacks (6 for 161), Jack Leach (2 for 190), James Anderson (1 for 52), Ollie Robinson (1 for 72)
England Batting (Second Innings): Declared at 264 for 7 in 35.5 overs
Harry Brook 87 (65 balls, 4×11, 6×3), Joe Root 73 (69 balls, 4×6), Zak Crawley 50 (48 balls, 4×7), Wills Jack 24 (13 balls, 4×1, 6×3)
Pakistan Bowling:
Mohammad Ali (2 for 64), Naseem Shah (2 for 66), Zahid Mehmood (2 for 84) Agha Salman (1 for 47)
Pakistan Batting (Second Innings) Target 343
Imam-ul-Haq 43 (60 balls, 4×7), Saud Shakeel 24 not out (42 balls, 4×5), Abdullah 6, Babar 4
England Bowling:
Ben Stoke (1 for 20) Oille Robinson (1 for 22)
