Shafaqna Pakistan: Pakistan’s batting woes continued in Birmingham as the visitors were dismissed for just 133 in the first innings of the third and final Test against England.
After winning the toss, England opted to bowl and quickly put Pakistan’s fragile batting order under pressure. The visitors struggled to form partnerships and lost wickets at regular intervals, with Saud Shakeel providing the only significant resistance.
Shakeel top-scored for Pakistan with 43 runs, while Mohammad Abbas made 21. Debutant Razaullah contributed 11, but no other Pakistani batter managed to score in double figures.
Saim Ayub was dismissed for a duck, while Azan Awais scored nine runs before returning to the pavilion. Abdullah Shafique made three and Shan Masood managed five.
Captain Babar Azam also failed to make an impact, scoring seven runs before his dismissal. Wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori made four, while Mohammad Imran was dismissed for five.
England’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings. Josh Tong claimed three wickets, while Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer took two wickets each as Pakistan’s batting order failed to withstand the attack.
Three Test debuts
Pakistan made three changes to their playing XI for the final Test, handing debuts to wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori, fast bowler Razaullah and Imran Randhawa.
Saud Shakeel presented Ghazi Ghori with his Test cap, while Mohammad Abbas handed the cap to Razaullah. Babar Azam presented Randhawa with his Test cap.
Pakistan’s line-up also includes Saim Ayub, Azan Awais, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Ali.
The third Test comes with England already holding an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
England won the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs before securing a 194-run victory in the second match.
Pakistan will now have to rely on their bowlers to restrict England’s first-innings advantage after another disappointing performance with the bat.
Source: Dunya News
