Pakistan Strengthens Their Grip in Multan Test

On Day 3 of the second Test match in Multan, Pakistan solidified their dominance, extending their lead to a substantial 209 runs after another strong performance. The home side added 91 runs in the afternoon session, losing two wickets, one of which was Mohammad Rizwan, who scored 23 runs. Brydon Carse, despite battling with a troublesome left leg, managed to dismiss Rizwan for the third time in three innings during this series, with Rizwan's dismissal coming via a straightforward catch to slip.

Carse almost dismissed Agha Salman twice in the same over, but both chances were dropped by Jamie Smith and Joe Root. England eventually made a breakthrough, with Jack Leach trapping Kamran Ghulam in front of the wicket, marking the first success for the visitors in the afternoon session.

Earlier in the day, Sajid Khan produced remarkable bowling figures of 7 for 111, helping to hasten the end of England's innings as they were all out for 291. Starting the day at 239 for 6, England managed to add a few crucial runs, thanks in part to contributions from Jamie Smith and Jack Leach, both scoring in the 20s. This effort allowed Pakistan to take a handy first-innings lead of 75 runs.

Pakistan extended their lead to 118 by lunchtime, though not without some trouble, as they lost three wickets and went into the break at 43 for 3. Brydon Carse had a few fortunate moments early on, as Sajid Khan dropped a tough chance off his own bowling and subsequently survived a leg-before wicket review against the same bowler. Eventually, Sajid secured the wicket of Carse, who became his fifth victim after miscuing a shot to long-on. In his following over, Sajid dismissed Matthew Potts, bowling him after he attempted a sweep for four runs.

Jamie Smith's innings was short-lived; he fell victim to Noman Ali while trying to play an expansive shot, handing a catch to long-off and giving Ali his third wicket. Leach and Shoaib Bashir added some valuable runs in a last-wicket partnership that frustrated Pakistan for a while. Ultimately, Sajid Khan ended the stand by having Bashir caught at short mid-wicket, concluding England's innings within the first hour of the day’s play.

Starting with a spin attack, England deployed Leach and Bashir right away. They found assistance from the pitch, but Pakistan's openers handled the pressure well, seeing off the first five overs without loss. However, Bashir struck first, having Abdullah Shafique caught down the leg side, a decision that required the DRS to confirm England's success.

Shan Masood managed to score a boundary off Bashir but was soon dismissed, caught at gully after misplaying a shot off the same bowler. Bashir then completed his hat trick just before lunch, finding the outside edge of Saim Ayub's bat.

As Pakistan resumed their innings, they faced early challenges but showed resilience. Saud Shakeel, who remained at the crease, was the standout performer with the bat, scoring 30 runs and stabilizing the innings. His presence was crucial as Pakistan aimed to build on their first-innings lead.

The afternoon session saw both teams vying for control. Pakistan's batting faced scrutiny as they struggled to find rhythm against England's bowlers, especially Shoaib Bashir, who made significant inroads into the lineup with his aggressive bowling. His figures of 3 for 46 reflected his impact on the game and kept Pakistan's scoring in check.

Despite the pressure from England’s bowlers, Pakistan managed to keep their composure. Agha Salman played cautiously after his earlier close calls, aiming to settle the innings and work with Shakeel to form a steady partnership. The pitch continued to offer some assistance to the bowlers, but the Pakistani batsmen adapted their approach.

As the day progressed, Pakistan's batsmen focused on building a significant lead. They were aware that a solid total would put them in a commanding position as they looked to secure a series victory. The key for Pakistan was to capitalize on any loose deliveries and rotate the strike to maintain a steady flow of runs.

The first-innings lead was a vital cushion, but Pakistan was conscious of the importance of not letting their guard down. England, with their back against the wall, would be desperate to fight back and put pressure on the Pakistani batsmen.

As the players moved into the final sessions of the day, the emphasis shifted towards resilience and a strategic approach. The hosts aimed to build partnerships, while England sought breakthroughs to keep the match competitive. With every run scored by Pakistan, the pressure mounted on the visitors to respond.

In the backdrop of the Test match, the Multan crowd remained hopeful of witnessing their team secure a strong position in the game. With each wicket and boundary, the atmosphere intensified, reflecting the stakes involved. The passion and commitment displayed by both teams added to the drama of the match, underscoring the significance of this encounter in the context of the series.

As the day concluded, Pakistan's position appeared increasingly robust, but the final session would be crucial. The tension was palpable as both sides aimed for supremacy, and cricket fans eagerly anticipated how the game would unfold in the coming days.

In summary, Pakistan's performance in the second Test in Multan highlighted their determination to build on a strong position, while England faced the challenge of clawing their way back into contention. With both teams showcasing their strengths and strategies, the match continued to develop into a gripping contest, promising an exciting finish as they approached the final stages.

Brief Scores:

• Pakistan: 366 & 134/5 (Saud Shakeel 30; Shoaib Bashir 3-46)
• England: 291 (Ben Duckett 114; Sajid Khan 7-111, Noman Ali 3-101)
• Lead: Pakistan by 209 runs

As the teams prepare for the next day’s play, the focus will be on capitalizing on their respective advantages, with Pakistan aiming to extend their lead further and England determined to make a comeback. The excitement surrounding the Test match continued to build as the contest unfolded in Multan.