Pakistan’s unassuming offspinner, Sajid Khan, played a pivotal role as Pakistan strengthened their grip on the second Test against England at Multan. After a career-defining seven-wicket haul in the first innings, Sajid’s contributions with both bat and ball helped Pakistan set England a challenging target of 297 runs, leaving the visitors needing to score 261 more to win after a dramatic collapse in their second innings.
Sajid’s influence was felt throughout the day as Pakistan built a commanding lead, with the scoreline reading 366 and 221 by the close of play, while England had lost two key wickets and were 36 for 2 at stumps. The day was punctuated by dramatic twists, as spinners ruled the roost, and England found themselves struggling on a pitch that increasingly favored the turn.
Sajid’s Heroics with the Ball
The day began with Pakistan leading by 75 runs, and it was Sajid who again turned the tide. After England had managed to dismiss Pakistan’s lower order quickly, leaving the hosts on 156 for 8, it seemed England could be chasing a target closer to 230-240. But Sajid, in partnership with Salman Agha, put together a crucial 65-run stand, with Salman doing most of the scoring.
Salman’s blistering innings saw him reach a half-century, punctuated by a six off Jack Leach, while Sajid survived several close calls, including a missed chance at long-on and a reviewable LBW decision that ultimately favored him due to a DRS issue. Their partnership stretched Pakistan’s lead, which would eventually become a daunting chase for England.
Sajid’s Spin Magic
Sajid’s performance with the ball was equally decisive. After England had started their chase of 297, Duckett, who had been in fine form, fell to Sajid on just the third ball of the innings, a top-edged sweep finding the hands of a fielder. The spinner followed this up by removing Zak Crawley, who was stumped in a stunning piece of wicketkeeping by Mohammad Rizwan. England found themselves 11 for 2, and their chase was in real trouble.
Despite a resolute stand from Ollie Pope and Joe Root, England’s pursuit of the target looks tough, with spin continuing to play a major role. Sajid’s seven wickets in the first innings, which included crucial breakthroughs, were instrumental in placing Pakistan in a dominant position.
Bashir and Carse Shine in Early Breakthroughs
Before Sajid took the stage in the evening session, England’s bowlers had offered a glimpse of hope. Brydon Carse and Shoaib Bashir, both outstanding with the ball, combined to cause Pakistan some early jitters in their second innings. Bashir, in particular, was impressive, taking the crucial wicket of Abdullah Shafique in just his third over. It was a breakthrough Pakistan sorely needed, with England’s seamers finding swing and bounce, further contributing to their control of the game.
Bashir followed up with the wicket of Shan Masood, before dismissing Saim Ayub to leave Pakistan in a precarious position at 43 for 3. However, despite some resolute resistance from Saud Shakeel, who survived multiple chances, the Pakistan middle order steadied the ship with partnerships that pushed the lead up further.
Pakistan’s Top Order Struggles, But Shakeel and Salman Deliver
England’s spinners, particularly Jack Leach, were met with an increasingly challenging pitch. However, the real breakthrough for Pakistan came in the form of their middle-order resilience, with Saud Shakeel battling through difficult conditions, accumulating crucial runs. Despite two missed chances from England off Carse, Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam looked set for big innings before Leach removed Ghulam, and Shakeel fell to Carse soon after, reducing Pakistan to 189 for 7.
Salman, however, remained a thorn in England’s side, with his aggressive strokeplay and confident defense. He scored a vital half-century, leading Pakistan to a lead of 297 runs by the close of play.
England’s Struggle in the Chase
England’s chase will require a Herculean effort as they face a target higher than any they have successfully chased in Pakistan. Duckett’s wicket, a crucial breakthrough for Sajid, has left England’s middle order with much to prove. The pressure is squarely on Ollie Pope and Joe Root, who will need to perform under intense scrutiny, knowing that the pitch continues to offer plenty for Pakistan’s spinners.
As day four looms, with England needing another 261 runs to win, Pakistan will be eager to capitalize on their momentum and push for victory. The spinners, especially Sajid Khan, will play a crucial role in what promises to be a dramatic conclusion to the Test match.
For now, Pakistan holds the upper hand, with England fighting to turn the tide in a match that continues to ebb and flow with each passing hour.