The third and final Test of the series between Pakistan and England is underway at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with both teams having won a game each in Multan. This highly anticipated decider has set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the series, with the winner of this match securing the trophy. With solid performances from both sides, the game has been nothing short of thrilling, filled with critical partnerships, strategic bowling, and decisive moments.
Toss and Team Strategies
England’s captain Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision that highlighted England’s confidence in their batting lineup and their approach to set a competitive total. Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood admitted he would have chosen to bat first as well but assured that his team was ready to take early wickets, especially through their spin attack. Pakistan fielded an unchanged squad from their previous win in Multan, sticking with three specialist spinners: Nauman Ali, Zahid Mahmood, and Sajid Khan. England, too, leaned heavily on their spin department, including Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, and Shoaib Bashir.
Day 1: England’s First Innings
England’s innings started with Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley as openers. The pair provided a strong start, putting up 56 runs. However, Pakistan’s spin attack soon broke through, with Nauman Ali dismissing Crawley for 29 runs. The English lineup quickly began to unravel with middle-order batsman Ollie Pope contributing just 3 runs before being trapped lbw by Sajid Khan. Even veteran batsman Joe Root could only add 5 runs before falling to Sajid, leaving England at 3 down and struggling to establish a firm footing.
Despite losing key players early, Ben Duckett’s 52 runs gave England a crucial edge. But Sajid Khan’s impressive form continued as he bowled out Harry Brook for 5, and England’s captain Ben Stokes also succumbed after scoring 12 runs. England found some stability with a 107-run partnership between Gus Atkinson and Jamie Smith, pushing the team’s total to a respectable 267. Sajid Khan emerged as the star bowler for Pakistan, taking six wickets, supported by Nauman Ali, who claimed three.
Day 2: Pakistan’s First Innings
Pakistan’s opening duo of Abdullah Shafiq and Saeem Ayub stepped onto the pitch but couldn’t maintain their footing. Shafiq was dismissed for 14, while Ayub followed with 19 runs, leaving Pakistan at 43 for 2. Kamran Ghulam added just 3 runs before being dismissed, placing pressure on the middle order.
By the second day’s play, Pakistan resumed with 73 runs for 3 wickets, with Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel at the crease. While they initially stabilized the innings, Masood was dismissed after scoring 26, caught at slip by spinner Shoaib Bashir. Wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammad Rizwan joined Shakeel and brought Pakistan’s score to 151 before Rehan Ahmed broke the partnership, dismissing Rizwan lbw for 25.
Despite the setbacks, Saud Shakeel held his ground. Demonstrating great skill and resilience, he completed his fourth Test century off 180 balls, featuring four boundaries. However, Shakeel’s partners faltered; Salman Ali Agha was dismissed by Rehan Ahmed after scoring only one, and Aamir Jamal managed only 14 runs before falling to the same bowler. Nauman Ali gave Shakeel brief support, scoring 45 runs, but he too was eventually dismissed lbw by Shoaib Bashir. Shakeel’s valiant 134-run effort came to an end when he was caught off Gus Atkinson’s delivery, as Pakistan concluded their innings with a lead, scoring 344 in total. Rehan Ahmed was the top wicket-taker for England, with four dismissals.
England’s Second Innings and Day 3 Developments
By the end of Day 2, England began their second innings but quickly lost momentum. They ended the day at 24 runs for 3 wickets, with Pakistan’s spinners once again dominating. Ben Duckett was dismissed by Sajid Khan for 12, followed by Zak Crawley’s dismissal for just 2 runs, courtesy of Nauman Ali. Oli Pope, contributing only 1 run, was caught by Agha Salman off Nauman’s bowling, leaving England at a vulnerable position as they closed Day 2.
On Day 3, England resumed with 24 runs for 3 wickets, hoping to stabilize and build a defendable score. However, Pakistan’s bowlers continued to apply pressure, creating a tense battle for dominance in this series-deciding match.
Key Takeaways and Current Standings
The Rawalpindi Test has showcased the competitive spirit of both teams. Pakistan’s reliance on spinners has paid off, with Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali leading the attack effectively. England, despite initial struggles, has shown resilience, especially with the impressive partnership between Gus Atkinson and Jamie Smith in the first innings. Saud Shakeel’s century for Pakistan has been one of the standout performances, highlighting his importance in the national lineup. His ability to anchor the innings provided a solid base for Pakistan, and his performance was a crucial factor in their first innings lead.
With the series hanging in balance, both teams are showing a strong determination to claim the trophy. The third Test in Rawalpindi is turning out to be a riveting contest, with each session bringing new twists and momentum shifts. Both Pakistan and England are keen to emerge victorious in this decider, making the final days of this Test a must-watch for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
