Pakistan sense series-levelling win over England after Sajid heroics

AFP | Multan

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Pakistan is in a commanding position to win the second Test and level the series after a strong performance on day three in Multan, led by spinner Sajid Khan.

The hosts set England a challenging target of 297 runs, dismissing both openers early. Sajid made his mark by removing Ben Duckett for a duck, while fellow spinner Noman Ali sent Zak Crawley back to the pavilion for just three runs, leaving England at 36-2.

As play concluded, Ollie Pope and Joe Root were at the crease with scores of 21 and 12, respectively. England still needs to chase down 261 runs with two days remaining in the match.

Noman Ali commented on the pitch conditions, which have become increasingly tricky. “We are getting good spin from the rough patches as well as from the middle, so it will be a tough chase,” he said. “We will do everything to win this Test.”

Despite the challenging circumstances, England assistant coach Paul Collingwood remains optimistic. He believes his fearless team can achieve "special things" despite the odds stacked against them. “It’s going to be a tough chase tomorrow on what is effectively probably the ninth day on that wicket,” Collingwood acknowledged. “Realistically, it’s going to be tough, but this team’s capable of some special things with batters who can put bowlers under pressure in these conditions.”

Pakistan posted a total of 221 in their second innings, building on their first-innings score of 366. Middle-order batsman Salman Agha played a crucial role, scoring 63 runs, and he partnered with Sajid for a vital ninth-wicket stand of 65 runs that lifted Pakistan from a precarious 134-5.

England spinners Shoaib Bashir (4-66) and Jack Leach (3-67) kept their team in the contest, but England's chances were hampered by missed opportunities, including dropped catches of Agha when he was on four and six runs.

Eventually, it was Brydon Carse (2-29) who claimed Agha's wicket, caught in the slips, before Matthew Potts wrapped up Pakistan’s innings by dismissing Sajid.

Earlier in the match, Sajid Khan showcased his bowling prowess with figures of 7-111, marking his second five-wicket haul and bowling England out for 291.

While acknowledging the rocky start to their chase, Collingwood maintains that England can win the Test and clinch the series, although he tempered expectations. “We’ve got to be realistic; it’s a tough ask,” he cautioned.