Following a shaky beginning to the series, Pakistan turned the tables on Day 1 of the fourth Test here and their spinners went on a rampage with Sajid Khan picking up six to tighten his team’s grip over the visitors. By the close of play, troubled with Pakistan’s spinners who had set a day for which they are rather famous for; discipline, England’s 267 subordinates were stumped.Â
Pak vs. Eng; Rizwan takes offÂ
And in a moment of lightness that has already gone viral, Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan was left laughing at the very mention of England’s attempt to play the so-called aggressive ‘Bazball’ type of cricket. Where Rizwan was benignly turning towards Harry Brook, sarcastically saying no more Bazball now after Pakistan’s bowlers put all the English batters to shame.
As for England, they had started well with their opener Ben Duckett who scored a steady 52 off 84 balls, but the spin magic by Sajid Khan soon rattled the English order. Back in the day, Jamie Smith was the top scorer for England with a brisk 89 off 119 deliveries, which included five fours and six maximums. It was only at the turn of one hundred when Sajid and Noman Ali were left when things began to go south for England.
Sajid Khan Leads Pakistan’s Bowling Charge
With commendable determination, Sajid wrapped up his 29.2 overs, snaring six wickets for 128 runs while bowling an impressive four maiden overs. From the opposite end, Noman Ali also kept the opposition needles with three wickets, conceding 88 runs. Zahid Mahmood weighed in with just one wicket, thus showing what a force Pakistan’s spin attack could be!
England’s choice of batting first turned out to be a gamble, especially since their middle order failed to keep the Duckett-Smith platform alive. Some stability was induced by all-rounder Gus Atkinson’s solid performance, scoring 39 runs off 71 balls, but Pakistan’s efficient bowling and Rizwan’s frivolous jab ultimately dealt England a severe confidence blow.Â
Pakistan Starts Chase, Rizwan Adds Spirit
By stumps, Pakistan reached 73/3, trailing by 194 runs. Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel held firm at 16* each, hinting at Pakistan’s resolve heading into Day 2. Jack Leach and Gus Atkinson struck early for England, but Rizwan’s playful jab still hangs in the air and as the morning session wears on the Pakistani players and fans can sense the momentum starting to shift their way in this series-deciding test.
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