Rehan Ahmed Spins England Upper Hand on Day Two in Rawalpindi
Pakistan trail England by 80 runs at lunch on day two of the third Test in Rawalpindi after a stellar spell from legspinner Rehan Ahmed. The 20-year-old took three wickets, including those of Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, and Aamer Jamal, to leave Pakistan reeling at 187 for 7.
Rehan Ahmed’s Resurgence
Ahmed, playing his first Test of the series and his first international match since the India tour earlier this year, was the star of the show for England. His legspin proved too much for the Pakistan batsmen, who struggled to read his variations. Ahmed’s impressive figures of 3 for 24 from eight overs, including two maidens, put England firmly in control.
Shakeel’s Deft Defiance
Despite the loss of wickets, Saud Shakeel continues to hold the Pakistan innings together with a defiant 74 not out. The left-hander, who resumed on 16, has shown remarkable resilience and has already compiled an 11th fifty-plus score in Test cricket. He was given a reprieve on 26 when a leading edge off Shoaib Bashir was dropped by Jamie Smith, but Shakeel has capitalized on his luck and continued to frustrate the England bowlers.
England’s Momentum
England had earlier set a challenging target of 267 in their first innings, with Jamie Smith top-scoring with 89. The hosts’ start to the day was subdued with only captain Shan Masood falling in the first hour, but Rehan Ahmed’s arrival changed the game’s momentum.
With Shakeel holding the fort at one end, Pakistan still has a chance to salvage a respectable total. However, they will need to bat with caution and avoid further setbacks if they are to avoid an innings defeat.
Stay tuned for live updates and analysis of the third Test between Pakistan and England.