Pakistan vs England 3rd Test Day 4 Review: England need 238 runs on final day to level the series

Pakistan vs England 3rd Test Day 4 Review: England need 238 runs on final day to level the series: The 3rd and final Test between Pakistan and England has been evenly poised at end of day 4 as the visiting side need another 238 runs on final day with 8 wickets in hand to level the series at Sharjah.

Mohammad Hafeez, who resumed his overnight innings on 97 faced an appeal from Adil Rashid on first ball of the day which was turned down. However, England didn’t wait much for their first strike of the day as night watchman Rahat Ali departed for duck. Soon Hafeez completed his 9th Test century in 169 balls. He got a good support from Captain Misbah-ul-Haq and ensure they went without losing any more wickets in the 1st session.

The duo put on a 93-run stand for the fifth wicket before Misbah fell to a trap from Stuart Broad. The Pakistani captain scored 38 with a couple of fours and a six. Later Mohammad Hafeez completed his 150 in 262 balls but played a poor shot to return to the pavilion after adding one more run to his tally.

Sarfraz’s run-a-ball 36 along with Asad Shafiq’s resistance helped Pakistan to ensure a lead of 220, which they wanted before the start of the day. Sarfraz got bowled by Patel and Yasir Shah fell to Rashid as Pakistan lost their 8th wicket for 319. Shafiq and Riaz added some valuable runs. Broad cleaned up Shafiq for 46 and in the following over Wahad Riaz was run out after scoring 21 as the Pakistanis got bowled out for 355 setting a target of 284 for England.

England’s chase started off with some boundaries early on. However, with the introduction of spinners England openers slowed down their pace. Moeen Ali, who was looking good in his innings of 22 was trapped in front by Malik, who picked up 4 wickets in 1st innings. In his next over, Malik struck once again as he clean up Ian Bell for a duck. Alastair Cook and Joe Root ensured they don’t lose any more wickets before stumps.

England will look to bank on Alastair Cook and Joe Root in pursuit of the daunting total. While Pakistan have diluted visitor’s chase by the late twin strike.

Brief Scores:

England 306/10 and 46/2 (MM Ali 22; Shoaib Malik 2/8)

Pakistan 234/10 and 355/10 (M Hafeez 151; SCJ Broad 3/44)