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Pakistan’s off-spinner Sajid Khan delivered an outstanding performance on Day 1 of the third and final Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Ground, taking six wickets and restricting England to 267 all out on Thursday.
At stumps, Pakistan reached 73/3, with Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel steady at the crease. The hosts are trailing by 194 runs in this series decider, with the three-match Test series currently level at 1-1.
England’s Innings: Jamie Smith Shines Amidst Fall of Wickets
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, England captain Ben Stokes hoped to capitalize on favorable conditions. England’s innings, however, fell short of expectations as they were bundled out for 267. Wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith stood out with a valiant 89 off 119 balls, hitting five boundaries and six sixes. Opener Ben Duckett also contributed a solid 52 off 84 balls, striking four fours and a six. All-rounder Gus Atkinson added a useful 39 from 71 balls, hitting five boundaries.
Despite these contributions, Sajid Khan’s disciplined bowling dismantled England’s batting lineup. Sajid bowled 29.2 overs, conceding 128 runs, and claimed six wickets, including four maidens. Left-arm spinner Noman Ali also impressed, taking three wickets for 88 runs in his 28-over spell, while leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood added a wicket in his 10 overs.
Pakistan’s Response: Early Setbacks but Steady Progress
In reply to England’s 267, Pakistan scored 73 runs but lost three wickets by the end of the day. Openers Saim Ayub (19 off 36 balls, 1 four) and Abdullah Shafique (14 off 27 balls, 1 four) started with promise but couldn’t build substantial scores. Shan Masood (16* off 32 balls) and Saud Shakeel (16* off 34 balls) held steady, aiming to build Pakistan’s innings on Day 2.
For England, bowlers Jack Leach, Gus Atkinson, and Shoaib Bashir each claimed a wicket, keeping Pakistan’s batting in check.
Day 1 Summary:
England: 267 all out (Jamie Smith 89, Ben Duckett 52; Sajid Khan 6/128)
Pakistan: 73/3 at stumps (Saim Ayub 19, Shan Masood 16*; Gus Atkinson 1/2)
With a tense match unfolding, both teams are looking to capitalize on their current positions in this tightly contested series. Day 2 promises more excitement as Pakistan attempts to take the lead and secure a strong position in this decisive final Test.
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