Saud, spinners put Pakistan on top in third Test against England
Cricket
Noman Ali and Sajid remove visitors' top order in second innings
RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – A much-needed ton by Saud Shakeel and spinning web laid by Sajid Khan and Noman Ali put Pakistan in command as England trailed by 53 run when stumps were drawn on second day of the third Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Shakeel played an inning of 134 runs while Noman and Sajid scored 45 and 48, respectively, after Pakistan resumed batting at 73/3. The impressive batting performance helped Pakistan built a 77-run lead against the visitors.
England suffered early blows as they started their second innings as batters were struggling in front of the Pakistani spin duo.
Noman Ali removed the opener Zak Crawly for two and Ollie Pope for one while Sajid Khan took a key wicket of Ben Duckett, dismantling the England’s top order.
Joe Root and Harry Brook were on the crease when the day two was wrapped up.
England captain Ben Stokes began the second day with spin from both ends and Saud got a life on 26 when he edged Shoaib Bashir low into the shin of wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.
Lanky off-spinner Bashir would not be denied, however, and removed Pakistan captain Shan for 26, caught in the second slip.
Rehan was brought in somewhat late but did not take long to make his mark, trapping Rizwan lbw for 25. Rizwan burned a review on his way back to the pavilion trying to get the decision reversed.
In his next over, Rehan removed Salman Agha in the same fashion and went on to fox Aamer Jamal with a googly, which the batter could only glove to his stumps.
Pakistan were bowled out for 344 runs.
The series is level at 1-1.
