England need 261 runs and Pakistan need 8 wickets to win the second test
As the third day of the second Test between England and Pakistan concludes in Multan, the match remains finely poised. England, needing 261 runs to win, faces a daunting challenge with only two wickets in hand. Pakistan, on the other hand, is on the hunt for eight more wickets to secure a victory.
Match Overview
At the end of the third day, England has scored 36 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in their second innings, needing a total of 297 runs to clinch the Test match. Pakistan, having bowled out England for 221 runs in their first innings, is determined to capitalize on their bowling strength.
England’s Second Innings
Chasing a target of 297, England's second innings began with a shaky start. The team lost its first wicket for just one run when Ben Duckett was caught out by Sajid Ali without scoring. Zach Crawley followed shortly after, dismissed for just 3 runs, leaving England at 11 for 2.
As the day concluded, England’s Ole Pope was at the crease with 21 runs, supported by Joe Root, who contributed 12 runs. With 261 runs still needed, the pressure is mounting on the English batsmen.
Pakistan's Second Innings Performance
Earlier in the day, Pakistan was bowled out for 221 runs in their second innings, setting England a target of 297 runs. The team faced early setbacks with Abdullah Shafiq dismissed for 4 and captain Shan Masood for 11, both falling to Saqib Bashir’s bowling.
Despite Kamran Ghulam’s impressive first innings century, he managed only 26 runs in the second. Wicketkeeper Muhammad Rizwan scored 23 runs, while Salman Ali provided some resistance with a notable 63. Ultimately, the Pakistani batting lineup struggled, leading to their total of 221 runs.
Key Players and Statistics
In the first innings, England had started with a total of 239 for 6 but were eventually bowled out for 248. Sajid Khan was the standout bowler for Pakistan, claiming 7 wickets, while Nauman Ali took 3. In the first innings, Pakistan had scored 366 runs, bolstered by Kamran Ghulam's century.
In the series opener, England defeated Pakistan by an innings and 47 runs, giving the visiting team a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Conclusion
With England needing 261 runs and Pakistan requiring just 8 wickets, the match is set for an exciting finish. Both teams have showcased their strengths, and the final day promises to deliver high drama as England looks to chase down the target while Pakistan aims to level the series.
