Pakistan’s first innings faltered on day two of the third Test in Rawalpindi, as England’s Rehan Ahmed claimed three crucial wickets to leave the hosts trailing by 80 runs. Resuming on 73 for 3, Pakistan’s hopes rested on Saud Shakeel and skipper Shan Masood. However, Masood’s dismissal for 26 off Shoaib Bashir’s bowling set the tone for a challenging session.
Shakeel, who resumed on 16, remained defiant, reaching his 11th Test fifty-plus score. However, a missed catch by Jamie Smith on 26 could have altered the course of the innings. Despite the setback, Shakeel and Masood consolidated their partnership, adding 53 runs in 130 deliveries.
The introduction of Rehan Ahmed proved pivotal for England. The legspinner trapped Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha leg before in quick succession, before dismissing Aamer Jamal with a googly. Ahmed’s impressive spell of 3 for 24 from eight overs, including two maidens, put England in the ascendancy.
Pakistan’s hopes now rest on Shakeel, who remains unbeaten on 72. However, the hosts face an uphill battle to avoid a significant deficit. England’s bowlers, led by Ahmed, have shown their class, and Pakistan will need to dig deep to salvage the innings.
