Pakistan vs England 3rd Test: England Battles Back After Early Wickets, Pakistan Struggles in Reply

The third and decisive Test match between Pakistan and England is underway in Rawalpindi, with England facing significant challenges on a pitch that has been prepared to favor spin bowling. England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bat first, a decision that seemed to level the playing field despite Pakistan’s efforts to create a turning track similar to the one in Multan where they levelled the series.

England’s innings was marked by a dramatic collapse, with the team reduced to 118-6 before lunch. However, Jamie Smith‘s resilient 89 off 119 balls, including six sixes and five boundaries, helped England recover. Smith’s innings was crucial in stabilizing the English batting, supported by a 105-run stand for the seventh wicket with Gus Atkinson. Atkinson contributed with three boundaries off one over from Zahid Mahmood, but ultimately fell to Noman Ali. Smith’s innings ended just short of a century when he top-edged a slog-sweep to Zahid Mahmood.

Pakistan’s spinners, particularly Sajid Khan, were instrumental in England’s early struggles. Khan took six wickets for 128 runs, including the key wickets of Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Ben Duckett, and Ben Stokes. Noman Ali also chipped in with three wickets, contributing to England’s total of 267 all out in 68.2 overs.

In response, Pakistan found themselves in trouble early, losing three wickets for 73 runs by the end of the first day. England’s bowlers, including Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, and Jack Leach, made inroads into the Pakistani batting lineup. Atkinson, Bashir, and Leach each took a wicket, setting the stage for a competitive second day.

As the match progresses, Pakistan will aim to capitalize on the home conditions and secure their first home series win since 2021 against South Africa. England, meanwhile, will look to build on their first-innings performance and press for a series victory.