But shakeel

Rawalpindi Test: Pakistan is on the verge of a memorable series win over England after a dominant second day in the final and third Test at Rawalpindi. A superb century from Saud Shakeel and aggressive late-order batting from Sajid Khan propelled Pakistan to a 77-run first-innings lead, which Pakistan’s spinners capitalised on as they left England in tatters at 24-3 by stumps. Pakistan now stand on the brink of their first home series win since 2021, leaving England with an uphill battle.

Pakistan began Day 2 at 73-3, trailing England by 194 runs. Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed struck early, taking three wickets in the morning to push Pakistan to 177-7, and England seemed poised to secure a first-innings lead.

But Shakeel anchored Pakistan’s innings, playing a patient and gritty knock of 134 from 223 balls — his fourth Test century. He was supported by Noman Ali (45) and Sajid Khan (48*), whose aggressive lower-order partnerships of 88 and 72 lifted Pakistan to a total of 344, achieving a crucial 77-run lead.