Multan (Web Desk): Pakistan has set a target of 297 runs for England after scoring 221 in their second innings during the second Test at Multan Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Shan Masood-led Pakistan faced early challenges, losing opener Abdullah Shafique for just 4 runs and Masood himself shortly after for 11.
Kamran Ghulam, who had a stellar performance in the first innings with a century, managed only 26 runs this time. Saud Shakeel contributed 31 runs, while Mohammad Rizwan added 23. However, Salman Ali Agha stood out with a crucial 63 runs, helping Pakistan establish a challenging lead.
On the bowling side, Shoaib Bashir was the pick of the bowlers for England, claiming four wickets, while Jack Leach took three and Brydon Carse grabbed two.
Earlier in the day, Sajid Khan delivered a brilliant display of spin bowling, taking down England’s batting lineup and restricting them to 291, which was 75 runs short of Pakistan’s first-innings score of 366.
Khan’s exceptional performance included 7 wickets for 111 runs, with Noman Ali contributing with 3 wickets, wrapping up England's innings in just 67.2 overs.
England struggled against Pakistan’s spinners, losing their final four wickets for only 43 runs in a dramatic collapse.
Jack Leach provided some resistance with a quick 25 runs, but it wasn't enough to stop the downward trend. Khan’s efforts culminated in the final wicket of Shoaib Bashir, who was out for 9 runs.
With a 75-run lead heading into their second innings, Pakistan looks to be in a strong position to take control of the match and possibly the series.
The pressure now shifts to England, who need to recover from a disappointing performance.
Sajid Khan’s impressive bowling has solidified his role as a key player in the team and set up an exciting conclusion to the match.