Pakistan’s valiant efforts on day three of the second Test against England in Multan have set the stage for a thrilling finish. After conceding a 75-run first-innings lead, Pakistan’s second innings looked in jeopardy at 156 for 8. However, a crucial 65-run partnership between Agha Salman (63) and Sajid Khan (22) rescued the hosts.
Salman’s gritty knock, which included 10 fours, and Khan’s resolute contribution helped Pakistan post a respectable 221 in their second innings. This gave England a daunting target of 297 to win, the highest fourth-innings chase in Pakistan Test history.
Before the crucial partnership, a light-hearted moment was captured on the stump microphone. After Noman Ali played a single off his hips, Salman inquired, “Did you play it?” Ali responded with a playful reference to cricket legend Brian Lara, saying, “Yes, just like Lara. Didn’t you see it?”
As the match resumed, England’s openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett fell cheaply, leaving the visitors in a precarious position. Ollie Pope and Joe Root steadied the ship with an unbeaten 36-run stand, but England still face an uphill battle with 261 runs to chase on the final day.
Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Naseem Shah and Mohammad Ali, will be eager to exploit the conditions and secure a series-leveling victory. England, on the other hand, will need a monumental effort to pull off a historic chase and maintain their 1-0 series lead.
