RAWALPINDI: Sajid Khan has once again showed his skills and emerged as the star performer for Pakistan, playing a pivotal role in dismantling England’s batting lineup in the third test match in Rawalpindi. With his skillful spin bowling, he claimed the crucial wickets of Ben Stokes, Rehan Ahmed, and Jack Leach, ensuring that England struggled to build momentum. His sharp deliveries left the opposition in disarray, showcasing the true art of spin bowling.
Despite England’s early woes, Jamie Smith stood firm, making 89 runs that kept his side in contention. Alongside him, Ben Duckett contributed a solid 52, providing some stability amid the pressure. However, their efforts were overshadowed by the relentless Pakistani bowling attack, with Noman Ali also getting in on the action by dismissing Gus Atkinson, further tightening Pakistan’s grip on the match.
Noman Ali struck early, claiming the wickets of Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. His relentless accuracy and sharp turn kept the English batsmen on the back foot, setting the tone for a challenging innings. Meanwhile, Sajid Khan, with his strategic finesse, dismantled the English batters by taking the scalps of Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Harry Brook. His three-wicket haul not only boosted Pakistan’s hopes but also sent a clear message that the spin duo was in formidable form.
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Earlier, England skipper Ben Stokes won the toss and decided to bat first in the 3rd and final Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
The current test series is tied 1-1 following the visitors won the first Test match by an innings and 47 runs before the hosts clinched the second match by 152 runs in Multan.
Pakistani side, seeking a first series victory at home since beating South Africans in February 2021, entered the Test with three spinners in Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Zahid Mahmood. Aamer Jamal is Pakistan only fast bowler in the clash.
The visitors brought in leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed to supplement the spin bowling attack alongside Shoaib Bashir and Jack Leach.
Teams:
PAKISTAN: Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Aamer Jamal, Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mehmood
ENGLAND: Zak Crawley, Ben Stokes (captain), Ollie Pope, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Joe Root, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith, Jack Leach, Rehan Ahmed, Shoaib Bashir
