In a gripping display of Test cricket, Sajid Khan turns the Test Pakistan’s way after Ben Duckett showcased his talent with a brilliant century. By the end of the second day, England found themselves struggling at 239 for 6, trailing Pakistan by a significant 127 runs.
Match Summary
England 239 for 6 (Duckett 114, Root 34, Sajid 4-86)
Pakistan 366 (Ghulam 118, Ayub 77, Leach 4-114)
As the sun set over Multan, Pakistan surged into command of the second Test match, transforming what seemed a dominant day for England into a chaotic collapse. After a dismal run of six Test losses, Pakistan finally found its footing, showcasing resilience and skill that had been notably absent in previous outings.
First Innings Highlights
After starting the day on a promising note, England appeared to be cruising at 73 for 0 after just 12 overs. However, the tide turned dramatically when Sajid Khan struck. England’s innings seemed secure at 211 for 2 when Sajid’s breakthrough came, dismissing Ollie Pope. This pivotal moment injected renewed confidence into the Pakistani side.
Within the span of just a few overs, England lost four wickets for a mere 14 runs. The decisive moment was Sajid’s dismissal of Joe Root, who had been riding high in the ICC rankings. A ricocheting sweep shot that cannoned into Root’s off stump not only dismissed the England captain but also ignited Pakistan’s resurgence.
Key Performances
Ben Duckett’s Stunning Century
Ben Duckett’s remarkable innings of 114 runs not only showcased his batting prowess but also highlighted the aggressive “Bazball” philosophy that England has embraced. Reaching his century in just 120 balls, Duckett became the fastest player to achieve 2000 Test runs, a testament to his explosive style of play.
- Top Scorers for England:
- Ben Duckett: 114 runs
- Joe Root: 34 runs
Sajid Khan’s Bowling Brilliance
Sajid Khan emerged as the star bowler for Pakistan, claiming four crucial wickets for 86 runs. His ability to turn the match was highlighted by his dismissals of key players like Joe Root and Ben Duckett.
- Key Bowling Figures for Pakistan:
- Sajid Khan: 4 wickets for 86 runs
- Noman Ali: 1 wicket for 43 runs
Turning Points of the Match
The turning point of the match was undoubtedly the quick succession of wickets that fell after Duckett’s century. As soon as Pakistan struck with Root’s dismissal, the floodgates opened. Sajid continued his assault by dismissing Duckett shortly thereafter, sending shockwaves through the English camp.
With England’s middle order faltering, Ben Stokes, returning from a long injury layoff, was dismissed for just 1 run. This unexpected collapse shifted the balance firmly in Pakistan’s favor.
Match Day Two Breakdown
Morning Session: Pakistan’s Resilience
Pakistan resumed the day at a decent position of 259 for 5. However, they faced challenges right from the start. Aamer Jamal, their lone seamer, struggled with a hip injury, leading to a limited impact on the bowling front.
England’s Brydon Carse capitalized on the situation, striking early to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan, who added only four runs to his overnight score.
- Key Wickets for England:
- Mohammad Rizwan: 41 runs
- Saud Shakeel: 37 runs
Afternoon Session: A Rapid Turnaround
As the day progressed, the pitch began to offer more assistance to the spinners, which Pakistan exploited masterfully. Sajid Khan’s phenomenal bowling performance turned the match on its head as he decimated the English lineup.
Despite a valiant effort by Duckett, the chaos that ensued in the closing stages of the day led to England ending on 239 for 6.
Scorecard Overview
| Team | Total | Top Scorer | Best Bowler |
| Pakistan | 366 | Ghulam: 118 runs | Leach: 4-114 |
| England | 239 for 6 | Duckett: 114 runs | Sajid: 4-86 |
Expert Insights and Analysis
Sajid Khan Turns the Test Pakistan’s Way is a phrase that perfectly encapsulates the day’s events. His performance not only highlighted his individual talent but also illustrated the importance of adaptability in Test cricket. The chaotic nature of the match underscores the unpredictability of this format, particularly on pitches that offer assistance to spin bowlers.
Conclusion: Pakistan Takes Command
With a commanding lead heading into the final days of the Test match, Pakistan will look to capitalize on their momentum. The stunning turnaround engineered by Sajid Khan after Ben Duckett’s century demonstrates the ebb and flow of Test cricket and sets the stage for an exciting finish.
As we look forward to the concluding days of the match, it will be fascinating to see if Pakistan can maintain their grip on the game or if England will muster a comeback.
FAQs
Q: What were the key moments in the Pakistan vs England Test?
A: The turning point came during the second day when Pakistan’s bowlers took quick wickets, shifting the momentum in their favor.
Q: Who was the player of the match in the Test?
A: Sajid Khan’s exceptional bowling performance significantly impacted the match outcome, making him a strong contender for the player of the match.
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