Rawalpindi, 24th October — The highly anticipated Pakistan vs England 3rd Test kicked off today in Rawalpindi, with the series tied 1-1. After Pakistan’s dominant spin performance in the second Test, the hosts prepared a spin-friendly pitch in Rawalpindi, known for aiding fast bowlers and being a batting paradise. Curators used heaters and fans to ensure a dry surface for the decider.
England won the toss and chose to bat, making two key changes by bringing in fast bowler Gus Atkinson and spinner Rehan Ahmed, joining Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir in the spin attack. Pakistan’s playing XI remained unchanged following their win in Multan.
England’s openers started strong, but Pakistan bounced back as Noman Ali removed Zak Crawley on 56, triggering a middle-order collapse. By lunch, England were reeling at 110/5 in 30 overs, with Sajid Khan leading Pakistan’s bowling attack.
In the second session, England lost Ben Stokes early, but Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson steadied the innings with a century partnership. Smith’s 89 and Atkinson’s 39 helped push England’s total to 267, with Pakistan finally getting the breakthrough at 241. Sajid Khan just like in Multan test took most wickets in the first innings he rattled England batting picked up 6.
Pakistan’s innings began positively, but Shoaib Bashir struck early, dismissing Abdullah Shafique for 14. Pakistan lost two more wickets quickly, with Saim Ayub and Kamran Ghulam falling in succession, leaving Pakistan at 46/3. At stumps, Pakistan were 73/3, with Shan Masood and Saim Ayub battling it out at the crease.
With both teams eyeing victory in this decisive Test, Day 2 promises to be a thrilling contest as Pakistan aims to chase down England’s 267 and build a solid first-innings lead.