Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Pakistan spinners are on a dream run as the hosts look to win the third Test match in Rawalpindi as England struggle to keep pace. After Day 2 in Rawalpindi, England are 24/3 in their second innings, trailing by 53 runs. Pakistan spinners were once again on the top with Noman Ali (9/2) and Sajid Khan (14/1) running the show. A win for either side will see them win the series as Pakistan currently have the advantage after the early collapse of the visitors in the second innings.

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Pakistan on top

Having started the day at 46/3 on Day 2, Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel was the hero of the innings as he scored 134. His innings propelled Pakistan to 344, courtesy of which they took a lead of 77 runs. He was given a great helping hand by Sajid Khan (48) and Noman Ali (45) despite Pakistan being 177/7 at one stage. Shakeel and Noman stitched a partnership of 88 runs for the eighth wicket before Shakeel and Sajid had a stand of 72 runs.

Rehan Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers for England as he scalped four wickets while fellow spinner Shoaib Bashir’s spell ended with three wickets. Gus Atkinson (22/2) and Jack Leach (105/1) were also among the wicket-takers.

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England collapse in second innings

Trailing by 77 runs after the first innings, it was not a great start for England in the final session of Day 2. England lost Zak Crawley (2), Ben Duckett (12) and Ollie Pope (1) in just nine overs as they closed the day at 24/3. Multan Test match heroes Harry Brook (3) and Joe Root (1) are in the middle at Stumps on Day 2. The visitors still trail by 53 runs and need a good partnership to save the match and series.

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Noman Ali (9/2) and Sajid Khan (14/1) were the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan as they will look to pocket the series.