On the third day of the Multan Test, England scored 492 runs for 3 wickets
The third day of the Multan Test between Pakistan and England has kept cricket fans on the edge of their seats. England, chasing Pakistan’s first innings total of 556 runs, managed to score 492 runs for the loss of just 3 wickets, with a deficit of only 64 runs remaining. The day was marked by some exceptional performances from England’s top-order batsmen, keeping them in a strong position going into the fourth day.
England's Batting Performance on Day 3
England resumed their first innings on Day 3 with 96 runs on the board, having lost only one wicket. Zac Crawley was unbeaten on 64 runs, while Joe Root had made 32. The team faced a solid Pakistani bowling attack at the International Cricket Stadium in Multan, but England’s batsmen displayed resilience and skill.
However, early in the day, Shaheen Afridi struck for Pakistan, dismissing Zac Crawley for 78 runs. England continued to build their innings steadily, as they closed the day with a commendable 492 runs, losing just three wickets in the process.
Key Contributions from England's Batsmen
Several England batsmen played key roles in their remarkable Day 3 performance:
Zac Crawley: Starting the day on 64, he added just 14 more runs before being caught out by Amir Jamal off the bowling of Shaheen Afridi. Crawley’s 78 runs included 13 boundaries.
Ben Duckett: Duckett scored a well-played 84 runs before being trapped LBW by Amir Jamal. His contribution helped England maintain their steady run flow.
Joe Root: Root put on a masterclass, staying unbeaten on 176 runs by the end of the third day. His partnership with Harry Brook was crucial in putting England in a commanding position.
Harry Brook: Adding to the success of England’s batting, Brook remained unbeaten on 141 runs. His partnership with Root helped England close in on Pakistan’s lead with ease.
Pakistan’s Bowling Attack
Pakistan’s bowling attack showed glimpses of promise but could not stop England’s batters from racking up the runs. Three of Pakistan’s bowlers took a wicket each:
Shaheen Afridi: He dismissed Zac Crawley for 78 runs early on Day 3, adding a crucial wicket to Pakistan’s tally.
Amir Jamal: Jamal contributed by taking the wicket of Ben Duckett for 84 runs, ensuring that England's momentum was slowed down for a short period.
Naseem Shah: Naseem had dismissed England’s captain, Ollie Pope, for a duck on the second day, setting the tone for Pakistan's fightback.
Despite these breakthroughs, the bowlers were unable to stop Root and Brook from building a strong partnership that may swing the game in England’s favor.
Pakistan’s First Innings Total
Pakistan had put up an imposing total of 556 runs in their first innings, thanks to some fantastic performances from their batting lineup:
Shaan Masood, Abdullah Shafiq, and Salman Ali Agha: These three players each scored centuries, setting the foundation for Pakistan’s massive total.
Saud Shakeel: Contributing with 82 runs, Saud Shakeel further boosted Pakistan's innings.
Naseem Shah and Babar Azam: Naseem Shah made a valuable 33 runs, while Babar Azam scored 30.
With such a strong performance, Pakistan seemed to have the upper hand, but England’s batting on Day 3 brought the match back into balance.
FAQs
Q1: How many runs does England still need to match Pakistan’s total?
England still needs 64 runs to match Pakistan’s first-innings total of 556 runs.
Q2: Who are the key performers for England on Day 3?
Joe Root (176* runs) and Harry Brook (141* runs) were the standout performers for England on Day 3.
Q3: How did Pakistan’s bowlers fare on Day 3?
Pakistan’s bowlers managed to take three wickets. Shaheen Afridi, Amir Jamal, and Naseem Shah each took one wicket, but they struggled to contain England’s top order.
Q4: What was Pakistan's first-innings total?
Pakistan scored 556 runs in their first innings, thanks to centuries from Shaan Masood, Abdullah Shafiq, and Salman Ali Agha.
Q5: Who were the top scorers for Pakistan in their first innings?
Shaan Masood, Abdullah Shafiq, and Salman Ali Agha each scored centuries. Saud Shakeel also contributed with 82 runs.
Conclusion
As Day 3 of the Multan Test comes to a close, England has made significant progress in their chase of Pakistan's 556 runs. With only a 64-run deficit remaining and two well-set batsmen, Joe Root and Harry Brook, still at the crease, the match is poised for a thrilling finish. Pakistan’s bowling attack will need to step up on Day 4 to prevent England from taking a commanding lead. With both teams showing remarkable resilience, the Multan Test is shaping up to be an exciting contest.
