England v Pakistan, 4th Test – 5 Memorable Moments

Yasir Shah’s 10-for, Misbah-ul-Haq’s century at Lords, Joe Root’s double ton, Younis Khan’s double ton, Chris Woakes’s all-around performance, and after all, this the series ended at 2-2. It turned out to be an equally fought series sparkled with enthralling excitement at various junctures in the 4 Tests.

It was always going to be tough, once Pakistan was able to post a huge total in their first innings. On a dry surface at The Oval, Yasir Shah with his 5-wicket haul ensured that they make use of the first innings lead. Pakistan chased down 40 runs in the fourth innings to seal the Test match with a 10-wicket win.

1. Asad Shafiq dropped on 7:

This is surely one of the top moments of the match as the centurion Asad Shafiq was dropped early in the innings when he was batting on 7. He made the most of the life and scored 109 runs from 179 deliveries with 12 fours and 2 sixes.

It was the 23rd over of Pakistan’s first innings, Chris Woakes bowled a full delivery and the thick outside edge was dropped by James Anderson at third slip. Tough chance, though, however, it cost England the match – ‘Catches win matches’.

Stats and records – England v Pakistan 4th Test – Statistical Highlights

2. Younis Khan gets to 200 with a six:

It was the return of the King at The Oval, as the veteran batsman Younis Khan scored a double century to give his side a match-winning first innings lead.

A full-blooded slog into the stands at wide long-on off the bowling of Moeen Ali is how he get to his double ton as he was applauded with an ovation by The Oval crowd. Younis scored 218 runs from 308 deliveries with 31 fours and 4 sixes.

3. Yasir Shah got rid of dangerous Joe Root:

Joe Root was looking in good nick and was timing his shots pretty well in the second innings of the Test match, with England urging to get over Pakistan’s first innings lead. Root was aggressive in his 46-ball 39 and well set for a big knock.

Being one of the best batsmen in the side, he would have easily taken the game away from the visitors considering the great run of form he carried in the series. However, Yasir Shah after a couple of leg-spinners fired in the arm-ball to trap him leg-before-wicket to bring things back in Pakistan’s control.

Also check out – England v Pakistan 4th Test – 5 Talking Points

5. Two-in-Two for Wahab Riaz:

England struggled to pile on runs in their second innings after conceding a first innings of 214 runs. After the dismissal of Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes joined Jonny Bairstow in the middle. With England still trailing by 5 runs, Bairstow blocked a delivery from Wahab Riaz on to the leg-side and started off for a single and suddenly said ‘Noooo..’ it was too late and Woakes was at the half pitch. Wahab in his follow-through collected the ball and shattered the stumps with Woakes well short of the crease.

On the very next ball, Bairstow drove Wahab into the hands of Azhar Ali at short cover and that ended England’s hopes pf posting a fighting 4th innings score.

5. Pakistan level the series:

Pakistan has always been a good bowling unit and the only concern was their batting, especially in overseas conditions. Once they batted well in this Test match, they always had the upper hand.

A double century from Younis Khan and a century from Asad Shafiq contributed heavily to the huge first innings score of 542. Then it was Yasir Shah, who ensured that England couldn’t post a challenging fourth innings target. Eventually, the Pakistan openers chased down the 40 runs quite comfortable to win the match by 10 wickets and level things up with honor.

Also read – ENG v PAK, 4th Test Review: Pakistan claim win; square series