Razaullah and Abbas spark remarkable lower-order revival as Pakistan reachs 449 on day 3 of 3rd Test against England. England looked set to wrap up Pakistan’s second innings without too much trouble. However, the visitors produced a remarkable late surge to keep the contest alive.
Pakistan moved from 306/5 to 318/8. They were only two runs away from making England bat again. Then, debutant Razaullah and Mohammad Abbas changed the mood completely.
Razaullah attacked the England bowlers with confidence. He cleared the boundary repeatedly and eventually matched the Test debut record for most sixes, with nine. Meanwhile, Abbas provided valuable support at the other end.
The pair added an extraordinary 121 runs for the ninth wicket. Abbas eventually fell for 40 late in the day. Razaullah continued his fearless approach. However, he could not survive the final over.
The debutant departed for a superb 81 from only 63 balls. Pakistan were then bowled out for 449. The fightback had actually started on the previous evening.
Azan Awais and Shan Masood came together after Pakistan lost two early wickets without scoring. They steadied the innings and added 52 before stumps.
The pair continued their resistance the next morning. Together, they produced a crucial 125-run partnership. Masood fell in the nineties, while Awais went on to score a valuable half-century.
As a result, England’s pace attack had to work much harder than it had earlier in the series. Babar Azam then joined the resistance. He played with positive intent and helped Pakistan regain momentum. He first combined with Masood before forming another useful partnership with Saud Shakeel. Babar eventually made 76.
For a while, England appeared ready to finish the innings and avoid another extended battle. Gus Atkinson struck twice and Pakistan slipped further into trouble.
Yet the visitors refused to surrender. Pakistan total leaves England with a target of 130 after the end of day 3 of 3rd Test.
With two days still available, England remain in a strong position to complete a series clean sweep. Nevertheless, the weather could add an unexpected twist.
Rain is forecast for the fourth day. Pakistan may also look to exploit the late assistance from the surface.
Dan Lawrence found some turn towards the end of the innings. Therefore, Pakistan could consider using Saim Ayub aggressively if the pitch continues to offer help to the spinners.
England still have the advantage after day 3 of 3rd Test over Pakistan. However, Pakistan’s extraordinary lower-order resistance has ensured that the final stage of the series will carry plenty of intrigue.