Abbas Five-For, Pakistan Need 389 at Lord’s

News Desk

London: Pakistan were handed a daunting target of 389 runs after England collapsed for 208 in their second innings at Lord’s, but Mohammad Abbas’ five-wicket haul has given the visitors a potential opening in a challenging fourth-innings chase.

Abbas spearheaded Pakistan’s bowling attack in England’s second innings, claiming five wickets as the hosts struggled to build on their first-innings advantage. Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali supported him with two wickets each.

England resumed the third day on 81 for three but could not turn their promising position into a commanding total. Dean Lawrence top-scored with 54 runs before England were dismissed for 208.

The result left Pakistan needing 389 runs to win the Test.

England had earlier established a significant advantage by scoring 290 in their first innings. Pakistan’s batting then faltered dramatically, with the entire side dismissed for just 110 in 37.2 overs, giving England a first-innings lead of 180 runs.

With the target now set, Pakistan face a demanding final challenge. The pressure will shift from their bowlers to the batting lineup, which must produce a vastly improved performance if the visitors are to pull off a memorable victory at Lord’s.

Abbas’ five-wicket performance, however, has ensured England will not enter the final phase of the Test with an entirely comfortable advantage.