RAWALPINDI: Noman Ali and Sajid Khan took all 10 wickets to bowl out the visitors for 112, leaving Pakistan a target of just 36 runs to win the series-deciding third Test match in Rawalpindi on Saturday.
In a thrilling end to the third Test, Pakistan showcased their prowess by successfully chasing down the easy target set by England, securing victory with just one wicket lost. Captain Shan Masood scored a composed 23 runs, while Abdullah Shafique contributed 5 runs. Saim Ayub was dismissed by leach.
Noman ended with 6-42 and Sajid 4-69 in an irrepressible bowling show following England resumed the third day game.
England batters could not face Sajid Khan and Noman Ali and failed to score a big total against Pakistan. Only Joe Root made 33 and Harry Brook 29 runs while both were dismissed by Noman Ali. Sajid Khan took four while Noman Ali claimed 6 wickets in the second innings.
Earlier, England have resumed their second innings on the third day of third test against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. However, England suffered from two early setbacks against Pakistan as Nouman dismissed Ben Stokes and Harry Brook.
The visitors suffered from three early blows against the hosts as Pakistan ended their first innings on 344 runs on the second day of the third Test match of the series on Friday.
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Pakistan find itself in a compelling contest against England, thanks to a strong batting performance led by Saud Shakeel. His impressive century has propelled Pakistan into a good position, showcasing his resilience and skill under pressure. Shakeel’s partnership with his teammates was pivotal in setting a challenging total for England. However, the game took a dramatic turn as Shoaib Bashir entered the scene. Demonstrating exceptional bowling prowess, Bashir claimed three crucial wickets that halted their momentum.
Earlier, Pakistan finished the first day of the third and final Test against England at 73-3, chasing the visitors’ total of 267 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday. England’s bowlers made early inroads, dismissing Pakistan’s top three batters before stumps.
The hosts lost Saim Ayub (8), Abdullah Shafique (10), and Kamran Ghulam (9), all of whom were dismissed before reaching 20 runs. England’s bowlers capitalized on a slow pitch, putting Pakistan under pressure as they were chasing the first-innings total.
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Skipper Shan Masood (27*) and Saud Shakeel (18*) remained unbeaten and will look to rebuild Pakistan’s innings when play resumes tomorrow.
Earlier, England were bowled out for 267, as Pakistan’s spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali tore through the visiting side’s batting lineup. Sajid was the standout bowler, taking six wickets, while Noman grabbed three scalps and Zahid Mehmood claimed one.
England’s innings began promisingly after electing to bat first, with openers Ben Duckett (52) and Zak Crawley (29) stitching together a 56-run partnership. However, their progress was derailed by a spin onslaught, as Sajid and Noman applied relentless pressure from both ends.
Sajid dismissed vice-captain Ollie Pope (3) for the third time in the series, while Joe Root (5), the world’s top-ranked Test batter, fell lbw to a sharp-turning delivery. Duckett reached his fifty but was soon dismissed lbw by Noman. England’s middle order faltered, with Harry Brook (5) and Ben Stokes (10) both failing to build substantial partnerships.
Jamie Smith played a counter-attacking knock of 89, smashing seven sixes, and found some support from Gus Atkinson (23) as the duo added valuable runs lower down the order. Smith fell short of his second Test century after a failed slog sweep attempt in the final over before tea.
Pakistan Playing XI
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (capt), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Zahid Mahmood
England Playing XI
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.
