Multan : Updated at 6:45pm, The second test between Pakistan and England has entered into an interesting stage . Third day of the match remained even more interesting .
First, Pakistan stumped out England for 291 in the first inning and then it too could not make a big total and it was all out after setting a target of 297 runs for the visiting side.
In the second inning Pakistan had a good chance to build up a big total, but its star batters including A. Shafique and Shan Masood failed once again to rise to the occasion and contribute to Pakistan’s total against England.
Captain Shan Masood ‘s performance with the bat has been extremely disappointing . He could not even enter into double digit in both innings of the second test. Similarly , A. Shafique is preferring to rerun to the pavelian without making any score.
One wonders what is the criteria of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to appoint Shan Masood as caption of Pakistan IX and keep sending A Shafique as an opener.
Failure of top Pakistani batters in the second test, which is very crucial for Pakistan to win, is leaving many questions for PCB to answer. England also lost its two early wickets on last session of the third day, but it has long batting line to steal the game.
Now much depends on Sajid Khan, Noman Ali and other Pakistani spinners for winning the second test and equalise the test series with visiting England . At the closing of the third day , the second test seems wide open for both teams.
Earlier: Updated at 11.30 am. After wrapping up England for 291 in the first inning of the second match here on Thursday morning, Pakistan has strengthened its control on the second test.
England started its inning at 239 runs and its tail enders made efforts to reach to the target , but Pakistani spinners prevailed on them. Finally , England was all out when its score was 291 runs.
Pakistan has taken a lead of 75 runs in the first inning and its spinners are in total control of the match. Team Pakistan has good opportunity to win the second match and equalise the series with team England.