Pakistan vs England 3rd Test Day 3 Review: Teams share honors as Pakistan lead by 74 runs

Pakistan vs England 3rd Test Day 3 Review: Teams share honors as Pakistan lead by 74 runs: Another exciting day of cricket, but both the teams shared even honors at the time of stumps. While England crawled to 306, gaining a lead of 72; Pakistan slowly overcame the deficit, only to lose 3 wickets in the final hour. The match is crucially balanced, and Hafeez and the Pakistani middle order have their task cut out against vicious English pacers.

Pakistan had a near perfect start for the day, as Rahat Ali, who impressed one and all with his perseverance yesterday, picked the over-night half-centurian James Taylor for 76, adding just 2 runs to his overnight score of 74. He nicked an out-side off stump delivery to the wicket-keeper, and English team went into their lower middle order.

A few overs later, Baristow was bowled over by Zulfiqar Babar, and Pakistan were in a little spot of bother, having 245 on board, with just 4 wickets in hand. But Samit Patel had other ideas. Patel, known for his all-round abilities, counterattacked the Pakistani bowlers and was well supported by Adil Rashid, who nearly took England to safety in the previous Test match. Team England went into lunch with 285 for the loss of 7 wickets, with a lead of 51 runs on board.

With Samit Patel still on the crease, it was pretty much obvious as to what to expect from the English batsmen. But just like the previous day, the pattern of a wicket falling just after the lunch to an incredible delivery from Yasir Shah. Pitching out-side off, the ball spun squarely to hit the top of the off-stump, removing Patel for 42. The English were already into their tail, and it was just a matter of time before they were bowled out.

But surprisingly, it was Shoaib Malik who made short work of the English tail. He removed both James Anderson and the injured Ben Stokes in a similar fashion, knocking over the batsmen’s off-stump with a classical off spinner. England were bowled out for 306, with a lead of 72. Shoaib Malik was the wrecker in chief having picked up 4 wickets.

The English batsmen, meanwhile, were in no hurry to rush forward to remove the deficit. While the English pacers Anderson and Broad were right on target right from the start, Pakistan were sturdy with their defense, and went for tea unscathed with 58 on board, trailing by just 14 runs.

Post tea, Hafeez reached a well deserved half century, and the English bowlers were desperate for wickets. With the deficit cleared, and without losing a single wicket, it looked like a long session awaited the English bowlers. But the English struck back with a couple of quick wickets. While Azhar was sent back due to a quick piece of work from Root, Malik’s shady form continued as he failed to read a reverse swinging delivery from Anderson. The scoreline read 105-2.

Just when it looked like Hafeez and in-form Younus will take Pakistan over the coast without any casualities, Broad struck with a beautiful inswinging delivery, which was unsuccessfully reviewed by Younus. Hafeez and the nightwatchman Rahat Ali survived some nervy moments at the end of the day, and the scorecard read 146 for the loss of 3 wickets, with a lead of 74 runs.

Summary:

Another day wherein runs where dry, it was a more evenly matched day. While Pakistan avoided a huge deficit by making a short work of the tail after the dismissal of Samit Patel, England struck back in the final session, and ensured that both team went back with even honors. Everything depends on how the Pakistani batsmen will handle the reverse swinging deliveries tomorrow, at the same time extending the lead at a considerable pace. Exciting day ahead.

Brief Scorecard:

Pakistan 224 and 146-3 ( Hafeez 97*, Azhar 34; Broad 1-19)
England 306 ( Taylor 76, Cook 49; Malik 4-33)