MULTAN: Pakistan spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali orchestrated a remarkable bowling display, bundling England out for 291 on the third day of the ongoing second Test.
Starting the day at 239-6, England’s Jamie Smith (12*) and Brydon Carse (2*) resumed their innings. Duckett made a significant impact in the third session, forming a 52-run partnership with Ollie Pope (29) before Sajid Khan bowled Pope with a sharp delivery.
The in-form Joe Root joined Duckett, and the duo aggressively attacked Pakistan’s bowling, adding 86 runs off 108 balls for the third wicket. However, Sajid Khan turned the tide for Pakistan by claiming three quick wickets, leaving England struggling at 225-5.
Sajid dismissed Root for 34 off 54 balls, and just one over later, he ended Duckett’s impressive innings at 114, which came from 129 balls and included 16 boundaries. Five balls after Duckett’s dismissal, Sajid struck again, while Noman Ali removed England captain Ben Stokes for just 1.
England’s momentum faltered as they slipped from 211-2 to 225-6, thanks to the disciplined bowling from the Pakistani spinners on a supportive Multan track.
Smith and Carse attempted to stabilize the innings, playing defensively and managing only 14 runs in 52 balls to finish the day at 239-6.
Earlier, England’s opening pair, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, provided a strong start, amassing 69 runs in the first ten overs. Noman Ali broke the 73-run opening partnership by dismissing Crawley for 27 just before Tea.
Pakistan was bowled out for 366 in the second session, with Jack Leach claiming the final wicket of Noman Ali, who contributed a valuable 32 runs batting at number 10.
Jack Leach led England’s bowling with four wickets, while Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts took three and two wickets, respectively.
