Pakistan spinners seize control in Multan as 16 wickets fall on dramatic day

Day three of the second Multan Test between Pakistan and England saw a dramatic turn of events, with 16 wickets falling and both teams fighting tooth and nail for control.

By stumps, England were 36-2, needing 261 more runs to chase down the challenging target of 297 set by the hosts, with eight wickets still in hand.

Sajid Khan stars again

Pakistan’s bowlers were the first to make their mark early in the day, wrapping up England’s first innings quickly. England had resumed the day at 239-6, still trailing Pakistan's first-innings total of 366.

Sajid Khan was the star performer for Pakistan with his off-spin, claiming three wickets in the first hour of play to finish with an impressive 7-111. He dismantled England’s lower order, dismissing Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, and Shoaib Bashir, while left-arm spinner Noman Ali took care of the remaining wickets, ending with figures of 3-63.

This spin-heavy approach worked wonders for Pakistan as England, all out for 291, handed the hosts a 75-run lead.

Recognizing the tricky nature of the pitch, England captain Ben Stokes opted to attack with spin when Pakistan came out to bat in their second innings.

England spinners join the party

Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and left-arm spinner Jack Leach were introduced from both ends, and the results were immediate. Abdullah Shafique fell early, caught behind off Bashir for just four, after a successful review by England revealed the faintest edge.

The wickets continued to tumble as Shan Masood, Pakistan's captain, was next to go, edging a ball from Bashir to Ollie Pope at second slip for 11. Opener Saim Ayub, who looked relatively comfortable, fell for 22, also to Bashir, right before the lunch break. By this point, Pakistan was struggling at 43-3, with England’s spinners making the most of the sharp turn on offer.

Kamran Ghulam, fresh off a century in his debut innings, provided some resistance, scoring a fluent 26. However, he was trapped lbw by Leach, and Pakistan’s middle-order woes deepened. Mohammad Rizwan contributed 23 before being dismissed by Carse, but England’s fielding left much to be desired. Salman Agha, who emerged as Pakistan’s savior with a fighting 63, had two lucky escapes when edges off Carse's bowling were dropped by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and slip fielder Joe Root.

Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha played a gritty 63-run knock on day three of the second Test against England in Multan.PCB

Pakistan’s lower order, led by Salman and Sajid Khan, added crucial runs as they built a valuable 65-run ninth-wicket stand. Sajid chipped in with a handy 22, and their partnership lifted Pakistan second innings total to 221.

Shaky start to chase

England’s reply got off to a rocky start. Sajid Khan struck early in their second innings, removing Ben Duckett on the third ball as the opener was caught behind while attempting a sweep. Duckett’s dismissal set the tone for a difficult chase. Noman Ali then deceived Zak Crawley with sharp turn, having him stumped for 3. England was left reeling at 11-2, and Pakistan’s spinners seemed to have the upper hand.

Pakistan's Noman Ali celebrates after picking a wicket during day three of the second Test against England in Multan.PCB

However, Ollie Pope (21 not out) and Joe Root (12 not out) managed to steady the ship for England, taking them to the close of play without any further damage. Despite the spin-friendly conditions, they batted cautiously, surviving the challenging overs from Sajid and Noman.

England will need a remarkable effort on the fourth day to chase down the remaining runs on a turning pitch, but with eight wickets in hand, the contest remains alive.