LONDON: Pakistan were left facing a daunting chase at Lord’s after England were dismissed for 208 in their second innings, setting the visitors a target of 389 runs in the second Test.
Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by Mohammad Abbas, who claimed five wickets in England’s second innings. Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad picked up two wickets apiece as Pakistan wrapped up the hosts’ innings.
England resumed on 177-7, with Dan Lawrence unbeaten on 50 and Ollie Robinson on two. Abbas quickly made an impact, removing Lawrence for 54 before sending Robinson back for eight.
England were reduced to 187-9, but their overall lead had already put Pakistan in a difficult position.
The hosts had reached 177-7 at the close of the third day after rain and poor light limited play to only 24.5 overs. Lawrence top-scored with 50, while Harry Brook contributed 34, Emilio Gay 31, Joe Root 24 and Jordan Cox 11.
Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson both scored seven before falling, while Abbas claimed three wickets during the third day’s play. Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad took two each.
England Built Strong First-Innings Lead
England had posted 290 in their first innings, with Smith making 61, Cox 55 and Atkinson 45.
Abbas was again Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker with four dismissals, while Mohammad Ali claimed three and Khurram Shahzad and Ali Usman took one each.
Pakistan’s batting then collapsed for 110 in 37.2 overs, handing England a commanding 180-run first-innings lead.
Azan Awais was the only Pakistan batter to offer significant resistance with 46, while Saud Shakeel scored 16. Babar Azam made eight and Mohammad Rizwan seven.
Eight Pakistan batters failed to reach double figures, including Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas. Mohammad Ali remained unbeaten on three, while Imam-ul-Haq did not bat because of injury.
For England, Ollie Robinson took four wickets, Jofra Archer three and Josh Tongue two.
Pakistan Fighting to Stay Alive in Series
England had already taken the lead in the three-match series after winning the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs. They scored 409 in their first innings before dismissing Pakistan for 171 and 135.
With England now requiring Pakistan to chase 389 at Lord’s, the visitors face a formidable challenge. A successful chase would be crucial for Pakistan to level the series and keep their hopes alive ahead of the final Test.
