PAK vs ENG: Pakistan’s wobbly start leaves them at 73/3 after England’s 267 in Rawalpindi

Pakistan faltered early, losing three wickets for 73 runs by the end of play

PHOTO: AFP

England set a competitive total of 267 in their first innings on Day 1 of the third Test against Pakistan, with Jamie Smith leading the charge, narrowly missing a century with a score of 91 off 119 balls. The series decider saw England's batsmen facing a challenging Pakistani spin attack, led by Sajid Khan, who claimed four wickets, and Noman Ali, who took three.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, England made a strong start but suffered regular setbacks. Zak Crawley played a brisk knock of 43 off 29 balls before falling to Noman Ali, caught by Saim Ayub. Ben Duckett provided stability with a well-crafted 52 off 84 balls, while Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Ben Duckett were all dismissed LBW, struggling against the spinners.

Gus Atkinson contributed 39 off 71 balls, helping England push their total to a respectable 267. However, his dismissal, followed by Jamie Smith's, marked a turning point as Pakistan tightened the screws with sharp bowling, particularly from Sajid Khan.

In response, Pakistan faltered early, losing three wickets for 73 runs by the end of play. Saim Ayub, who scored 19 off 36 balls, was caught off Jack Leach's delivery. Abdullah Shafique fell to Shoaib Bashir after scoring 14 off 27, and Kamran Ghulam was bowled for just 3 by Gus Atkinson.

With Pakistan trailing by 194 runs, Captain Shan Masood (21*) and Saud Shakeel (10*) will resume their innings on Day 2, looking to rebuild after a tough start.

England, looking to capitalize on early breakthroughs, will aim to maintain pressure on the home side as the Test progresses. With the series tied 1-1, this match could determine the outcome of the series.

Pakistan's Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (C), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel (VC), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mehmood.

England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.