ENG vs PAK 3rd Test: Pakistan is hosting England for a historic three-match Test series. England dominated Pakistan and seized the series by winning the first two Test matches and they now inch closer to another victory to ensure a decisive whitewash of the series.
Winning the toss at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam had made a clumsy decision to bat first. Pakistan was bundled out for a total of 304 runs in the first innings whereas a strong retaliation from England helped them to earn a narrow lead as they managed to score 354 runs in their first innings.
Pakistan initiated the proceedings on Day 3 on 21/0. Opening batsmen Abdullah Shafique (26) and Shan Masood (24) took the crease for the hosts. However, the two failed to make an impression as they could post only 53 runs for the first wicket.
Azhar Ali (0) once again failed to capitalize on the opportunity entrusted to him. Skipper Babar Azam (54) and Saud Shakeel (53) anchored a steady rescue and put up a vital 110-runs stand for the fourth wicket. However, their wickets tumbled soon and the lower middle order failed to sustain the momentum created by the two.
ENG vs PAK 3rd Test: Young Sensation Rehan Ahmed rattled Pakistan’s Batting Order
Mohammed Rizwan (7) and Agha Salman (21) fell prey to the debutant Rehan Ahmed as England continued to thrash the Pakistani batsmen. As a result, Pakistan was bowled out for a mere 216 runs total in their second innings.
For England, debutant Rehan Ahmed was the most sparkling bowler who scalped 5 wickets for 48 runs. Left-Arm spinner Jack Leach was also stunning in his efforts as he scaled 3 wickets for 72 runs. Mark Wood (1/25) and Joe Root (1/32) chipped in a wicket apiece.
England’s stupendous bowling attack resulted in a meager 177-run fourth innings target. The visitors were off to a flying start as opening batsmen Zak Crawley (41) and Ben Duckett (50)* put up a solid stand of 87-run for the first wicket. Nightwatchman Rehan Ahmed (10) failed to hold the wicket till stumps which brought in captain Ben Stokes (10)* on the crease.
For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed (2/43) starred in the bowling attack and was the standalone wicket-taker. Duckett (50)* and Stokes (10)* will take the crease for England at the start of Day 4’s play where they need only 55 runs to encounter a series whitewash.
