Pakistan
England’s pursuit of a daunting 297-run target in the second Test against Pakistan is still very much alive as they reached 36-2 at stumps on Day 4 in Multan. With one full day of play remaining, the visitors require 261 more runs to win, with eight wickets in hand, on a pitch that has started to show more wear and tear. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to what has been an unpredictable and absorbing Test match Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Resilience
Pakistan, having set England a challenging target on the back of a resilient 233-run lead, initially appeared to be in a dominant position. After England posted a second-innings total of 276, Pakistan’s openers, Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique, displayed patience and skill to reach 185-6 by the close of Day 3. Their steady progress was built on a fine 67 from Masood, while Shafique’s composed 48 gave the hosts a reasonable buffer.
However, England’s bowlers remained disciplined throughout the fourth day. Ollie Robinson, who was a constant threat with his nagging accuracy, played a pivotal role in dismantling Pakistan’s middle-order. Robinson finished with figures of 3-68, breaking partnerships and limiting Pakistan’s scoring opportunities. Jack Leach, with his left-arm spin, also provided crucial breakthroughs, taking two wickets for 57 runs. Pakistan, despite a strong start in their second innings, faltered in the latter stages of the day, and their hopes of a larger target to defend were dashed by England’s disciplined bowling effort.
With Pakistan all out for 203, England was set a target of 297 runs, with plenty of time left to chase it. The pitch, while still relatively true, had started to offer more turn and variable bounce as the day wore on, providing a hint of discomfort for the batsmen.
England’s Start to the Chase
The chase began with England’s openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, walking out to the middle in a crucial phase of the match. The early overs were a mixture of controlled aggression and solid defense, as both batsmen sought to get themselves set before accelerating. However, the challenges of the pitch became apparent early on.
Ben Duckett, who had looked in good touch throughout the match, was the first to fall. He was caught behind off the bowling of Naseem Shah for just 6. The delivery was a seaming delivery, slightly off the pitch, catching Duckett’s edge as he attempted to square drive. Duckett’s wicket brought Ollie Pope to the crease, but England were now 13-1, with the task ahead getting steeper.
In the 14th over, with the score on 36, Crawley fell for 30, caught at short leg off a sharp delivery from Abrar Ahmed. His dismissal brought Harry Brook to the crease, a player known for his aggression and ability to score quickly.
At stumps, England’s chase stood at 36-2, with Brook and Pope at the crease. The pair will have to show composure and resilience on Day 5, facing a formidable task against a Pakistan attack that has shown its capability throughout the match. The conditions are expected to favor spinners further on the final day, and the psychological pressure will weigh heavily on England as they aim to win this thrilling encounter.
The Path Ahead
Despite the wickets of Duckett and Crawley, England will take comfort from their aggressive batting depth. With Brook, Pope, and the likes of Root, Stokes, and Buttler still to come, the chase is still within reach, but they will need to keep their composure on a final day where one or two partnerships could make all the difference.
For Pakistan, the task will be to break these partnerships early. Their bowlers, especially the spinners, will need to exploit the conditions effectively, while their seamers will hope to extract some late movement under the Multan skies.
With England requiring 261 runs for victory and Pakistan’s bowlers poised to deliver one last push, the match could go either way. A tense and dramatic conclusion is in store, and all eyes will be on Multan as both teams battle for supremacy in this captivating second Test.
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