England’s chances of victory in the second Test against Pakistan have dimmed significantly after a poor start to their run chase on the third evening of the match. Set a challenging target of 297 runs, the visitors stumbled to 36-2, losing both openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, as Pakistan aims to level the series at 1-1.
The setbacks occurred during the final 11 overs of a difficult day for England in Multan. The team’s hopes of recovering from a first-innings deficit of 75 runs were dashed by crucial dropped catches from Jamie Smith and Joe Root, which allowed Pakistan to maintain momentum.
Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and first-slip Joe Root let off Salman Agha on scores of four and six, respectively. Agha capitalized on these reprieves, ultimately scoring a vital 63 runs. He formed a damaging ninth-wicket partnership of 65 with Sajid Khan, who had earlier taken 7 wickets for 111 runs, helping to bowl England out for 291 in their first innings.
Pakistan concluded their innings at 221, leaving England with the task of completing what would be their joint-third highest successful chase in an away Test match and the highest for any visiting team in Pakistan.
Sajid Khan struck early with the new ball, dismissing Duckett with a top edge and claiming Crawley, who was stumped off the bowling of Noman Ali. As the match progresses, England finds itself in a precarious position, battling to avoid defeat.
