England Resumes Second Test Chase at Multan Stadium

News Desk

Islamabad: On the fourth day of the second Test at Multan Cricket Stadium, England returned to the crease with a score of 36-2 in their second innings on Friday, as Pakistan aims to clinch victory.

The day’s play commenced with Ollie Pope (21*) and Joe Root (12*) at the crease. However, the hosts struck early, dismissing Pope for 22 runs, marking England’s third wicket and putting Pakistan firmly in control.

Pakistan requires eight more wickets to secure the win, while England needs 261 runs to chase down Pakistan’s target of 297.

On Thursday, England ended Day 3 at 36/2 after just 11 overs in their second innings, trailing Pakistan’s total of 297. Pakistan, led by Shan Masood, built a significant lead of 296 runs, bolstered by Salman Ali Agha’s impressive 63 in their second innings.

In their first innings, Pakistan posted 366 runs, while England managed to score only 291, resulting in a 75-run deficit. In their second innings, Pakistan added 221 runs, with Agha again contributing with his 63.

England’s opening pair, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, had a rough start, with Crawley scoring just three runs before being caught out by Mohammad Rizwan. Duckett went for a duck, dismissed by Sajid Khan on the third ball of the first over.

In the first innings, Sajid Khan was the standout performer for Pakistan, taking seven wickets, while Noman Ali contributed with three.

Playing XI:

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Zahid Mehmood.

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wk), Brydon Carse, Matt Potts, Jack Leach, and Shoaib Bashir.