Multan, October 17, 2024 – As the second Test in Multan approaches a gripping conclusion, Pakistan will head into the fourth day with fierce determination to capture the remaining eight England wickets and square the series. After an enthralling day three, England, set a challenging target of 297 runs, find themselves teetering at 36-2 in 11 overs, still requiring 261 runs to seal victory.
Pakistan’s spinners, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, struck crucial blows late on day three, dismissing England openers Ben Duckett for a two-ball duck and Zak Crawley for just 3 runs off 8 balls. These early breakthroughs left England reeling at 11-2 before Joe Root (12* off 26 balls) and Ollie Pope (21* off 30 balls) managed to steady the ship, guiding their team to the close of play without further damage.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s bowlers dominated proceedings, swiftly wrapping up England’s first innings for 291 runs in 67.2 overs. Resuming from an overnight score of 239-6, England lost their remaining four wickets for just 52 runs. Sajid Khan was the star of the show, claiming an impressive 7-111 in 26.2 overs, his second five-wicket haul in Test cricket and the best figures recorded at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Noman Ali ably supported him, chipping in with three wickets for 101 runs.
Pakistan, capitalizing on a first-innings lead of 75 runs, managed to post 221 all out in their second innings, setting England a formidable 297-run target. Middle-order contributions proved vital, with Salman Ali Agha anchoring the innings with a gritty 63 off 89 balls, including five boundaries and a six. Pakistan was struggling at 156-8 when Salman and Sajid forged a crucial 65-run partnership for the ninth wicket, pushing their lead close to 300.
England’s bowlers kept chipping away at Pakistan’s lineup, with Shoaib Bashir delivering a standout performance, claiming 4-66 in 19 overs. Jack Leach’s relentless spin accounted for three wickets, while Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts provided additional breakthroughs.
With Pakistan’s spinners finding rhythm and England’s top order under pressure, the stage is set for a tense fourth day. The onus is now on Pakistan to press home their advantage, as England faces a daunting task to chase down the remaining 261 runs amidst a spinning track and skillful opposition bowlers. Victory in this Test will not only level the series but reaffirm Pakistan’s resilience in the face of intense competition.