Day one highlights: Pakistan struggles at 73-3 as Sajid Khan Stars with six wickets

English , Snippets , Sports - کھیل اور کھلاڑی , / Thursday, October 24th, 2024

Rawalpindi: In a gripping opening to the series-deciding third Test, Pakistan concluded day one at 73-3, trailing England by 194 runs. The standout performer was spinner Sajid Khan, who delivered a remarkable spell, taking 6 wickets for 128 runs.

England, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, managed to post a total of 267 runs. They found themselves in a precarious position at 110-5 by lunch, but a resilient partnership led by Jamie Smith, who scored a vital 89, helped the visitors recover. Smith’s innings featured six towering sixes and five boundaries, showcasing his aggressive approach as he held the innings together.

Pakistan’s bowlers excelled on a dry, spin-friendly pitch, with Sajid and Noman Ali (3-88) combining for all but one of the wickets that fell throughout the day. Sajid’s key dismissals included that of England’s captain Ben Stokes and the promising Rehan Ahmed. The first session was dominated by Pakistan’s spin duo, who bowled unchanged for 42 overs, exploiting the pitch conditions brilliantly.

At the close of play, Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel remained at the crease, both unbeaten on 16 runs. As the home team aims to stabilize their innings on a challenging pitch, the upcoming second day promises to be crucial for both sides in this tightly contested series.