Pakistan and England are gearing up for an exhilarating showdown in the third and final Test at Rawalpindi. After experiencing a heavy defeat on a flat pitch in Multan, Pakistan made bold decisions by dropping key players like Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi. This strategic overhaul proved effective as Shan Masood’s side staged a remarkable comeback on a turning track, leveling the series in impressive fashion.
Pakistan to disrupt England’s WTC chances
As the teams head into the decider, England will face a significant challenge from Pakistan’s spinners, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, who played crucial roles in Pakistan’s previous victory. While Pakistan may be out of contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, they still have the opportunity to disrupt England’s chances and break their long-standing streak of disappointing home results with a series-clinching win.
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PAK vs ENG, 3rd Test: Here are the top 5 key battles to watch out for
1. Joe Root vs Sajid Khan: Joe Root stands as one of England’s most dependable Test batter and a formidable force against Pakistan’s bowling attack. His extensive experience and ability to construct long innings make him a pivotal figure for England in this series. Sajid, Pakistan’s premier spin bowler, will once again be under pressure to curb Root’s scoring ability. After delivering a vital performance in the previous match, Sajid will be focused on replicating his successful spell, aiming to thwart Root’s efforts to anchor the innings and swing the momentum back in Pakistan’s favor.
2. Ben Duckett vs Noman Ali: Ben Duckett has showcased remarkable consistency throughout the series, proving to be a crucial contributor at the top of England’s batting order. His aggressive stroke play and ability to perform under pressure position him as a key player. Facing him will be Noman Ali, Pakistan’s seasoned left-arm spinner, who will be eager to exploit Duckett’s aggression with his subtle variations and guile. This matchup is vital, as Noman’s ability to break partnerships could significantly influence the game’s dynamics and shift momentum towards Pakistan.
3. Kamran Ghulam vs Jack Leach: Kamran Ghulam made an impressive debut with a stunning century, signaling his capability to tackle England’s bowling lineup. His confidence is likely soaring as he heads into the final Test. In opposition, Jack Leach, the top wicket-taker of the series, will be intent on disrupting Ghulam’s plans. Known for his precision and accuracy, Leach has consistently troubled Pakistan’s batters, and his duel with the young Pakistan talent promises to be a compelling spectacle. Ghulam’s ability to build on his initial success against Leach will be crucial for Pakistan’s batting strategy.
4. Salman Agha vs Rehan Ahmed: Salman Agha has emerged as a reliable backbone for Pakistan in the current Test series, having scored over 250 runs across four innings, which includes two fifties and a century. His performances have proven crucial in preventing the team from collapsing, helping Pakistan reach respectable totals that have kept them competitive against England throughout the series.
In contrast, Rehan Ahmed, a promising young spinner, has been included in the playing XI for the final Test. Having made his Test debut a few years ago, Rehan has shown an ability to handle pressure and make breakthroughs so he could play a significant role in countering Agha’s threat, making this matchup a key battle to watch as the series unfolds.
5. Shoaib Bashir vs Mohammad Rizwan: Shoaib Bashir has shown impressive potential in his recent outings, demonstrating a flair for aggressive batting that can significantly impact Pakistan’s innings. His ability to score quickly puts pressure on the opposition, making him a key player in the lineup. On the other hand, Mohammad Rizwan has been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting, known for his consistency and calm demeanor under pressure
As the team’s wicketkeeper-batter, Rizwan’s experience and ability to build innings will be crucial in stabilizing the batting order. The duel between Bashir’s explosive style and Rizwan’s steady approach could be a deciding factor in the final Test, as Pakistan looks to secure a series victory against England.