Rawalpindi: Pakistan off-spinner Sajid Khan demonstrated exceptional skill on the first day of the third and final Test, taking six wickets and dismissing England for 267 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Ground on Thursday.
At the close of play on the first day, Pakistan found themselves 73/3, with Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel both scoring unbeaten runs. The hosts were trailing by a significant margin of 194 runs in the Rawalpindi Test.
This three-match Test series between the two teams is currently tied at 1-1.
Earlier in the day, England captain Ben Stoke was awarded the toss and chose to bat first in the series decider.
In response to England's first innings score of 267, Pakistan's Shan Masood-led team managed to score 73 runs, losing three wickets. The highest scorer for Pakistan was Jamie Smith, who scored 89 runs off 119 balls, hitting five boundaries and six sixes.
Ben Duckett also contributed significantly, scoring a fifty. The left-handed batter scored 52 runs in 84 balls, with four boundaries and one six in his innings.
All-rounder Gus Atkinson also played a crucial role, scoring 39 runs from 71 balls, including five fours in his innings.
For the hosts, Sajid Khan emerged as the standout bowler, taking six wickets in his 29.2 overs at a cost of 128 runs, including two maiden overs.
Left-arm spinner Noman Ali also had a productive spell, taking three wickets at a cost of 88 runs, bowling two maiden overs.
Leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood also contributed with one wicket at a cost of 44 runs, bowling one maiden over.
In reply to England's first innings score, Pakistan's Shan Masood-led team managed to score 73 runs, losing three wickets. The knocks were shared among Saim Ayub (19 runs off 36 balls with 1 four), Shan Masood (16 runs from 32 balls), and Masood (16 runs from 32 balls).
For the Three Lions, wickets were taken by Jack Leach, Gus Atkinson, and Shoaib Bashir in their respective overs.
