Tag: Pakistan vs England

RAWALPINDI: England stormed through Pakistan’s lower order, taking five wickets in a tense final session to seal a sensational 74-run win against Pakistan in their first Test in Pakistan after 17 years, here at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Monday. 

The confident English side defended 343 runs in the last innings after captain Ben Stokes’s bold decision to declare their second turn on 264/7 on day four.

Pakistan, who scored 579 in their first innings in response to England’s record 657, were bowled out for 268 in their second effort, squandering a chance to take a 1-0 lead in the lead.

Pakistan resumed the play on the final day with an overnight score of 80/2 and were perfectly positioned to chase 263 remaining runs with eight wickets in hand, that too on a batting-friendly surface.

With the game swinging and swaying throughout the day, it was Ollie Robinson and veteran James Anderson who took two wickets each in the final session before Jack Leach booked the final one just minutes before the bad light could have spoiled the party for England.

Azhar Ali and Salman Agha stood together for fifty-one runs and survived the England bowlers for the most part in the afternoon session before Pakistan were derailed after the Tea interval.

Man of the match Ollie Robinson gave England the much-needed breakthrough just after the break when he plumbed Agha Salman, batting at 30 off 63 with an inswinging delivery.

Anderson then showed his brilliance when he clinched two quick wickets, trapping Azhar Ali (40) off the hip and straight to a perfectly placed leg slip before dismissing Zahid Mahmood cheaply.

Earlier Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan stitched together 87 runs and moved the scoreboard to 176/3 before Anderson found the edge of Rizwan’s bat when he was batting at 42.

Saud resisted a few more overs following Rizwan’s dismissal before he was removed by Ollie Robinson, drawing curtains on a daring knock of 159-ball 76.

England had early success in the morning when Anderson struck down opener Imam-ul-Haq, just two runs short of his fifty, before the wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan and Saud took the charge.

With Imam dismissed inside six overs on the final day, the fourth-wicket pair frustrated the English throughout the first session.

RAWALPINDI: England all-rounder Liam Livingstone has been ruled out for the remainder of the ongoing three-match series against Pakistan after facing a knee injury in the first Test in Rawalpindi.

Livingstone injured his right knee while fielding on day two of his debut Test and was taken off the field for the rest of Pakistan’s innings. He visibly looked in discomfort while running between the wickets on day four when he scored an unbeaten 7 before England declared their second turn.

The team management has now decided to send him back to the UK on Tuesday where he will begin a rehabilitation programme.

“England all-rounder Liam Livingstone has been ruled out of the rest of the Test series against Pakistan with a right knee injury,” the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Monday.

“He will return to the UK on Tuesday and commence rehab with the ECB and Lancashire medical teams respectively.” it added.

However, the decision on whether to call up his replacement or not has yet to be made by England.

The ongoing Rawalpindi Test entered a crucial stage as England struck down strong-looking Imam-ul -Haq, who was just two runs short of his fifty, early on day 5 to set the alarm bells ringing for Pakistan. The home side needs another 245 runs while England require seven wickets to win the first Test.

READ: Rawalpindi Test: Azhar Ali fit to bat on final day says PCB

RAWALPINDI: Experienced batter Azhar Ali, who sustained a blow to his index finger the other day, has been declared fit to bat on the final day of the first Test as Pakistan are striving to chase 343 runs posted by England with three wickets down so far. 

According to the PCB spokesperson, the medical board declared the right-handed batter fit for play on the last day.

On Sunday,  Azhar underwent an X-Ray at a local hospital here as a precautionary method to examine a likely injury that the former sustained on the fourth day of the Rawalpindi Test.

Ollie Robinson’s short ball struck Azhar hard and hurt his index finger. The physio treated the right-handed batter on the field, but he made the decision to return to the pavilion.

The Rawalpindi Test entered a crucial stage as England struck down strong-looking Imam-ul -Haq, who was just two runs short of his fifty, early on day 5 to set the alarm bells ringing for Pakistan. The home side needs another 245 runs while England require seven wickets to win the first Test.

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RAWALPINDI: England batter Joe Root stunned the cricket world on Sunday when he batted left-handed during the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

England batter Root has been in the news for his innovations during the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

During the fourth day, Root faced up left-handed to Zahid Mahmood for the first two deliveries of the Pakistan spinner’s sixth over. The former England skipper swept the first ball directly to the fielder at square leg.

Joe Root decides to bat left-handed 😳#PAKvENG | #UKSePK pic.twitter.com/GOvnkof54B

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 4, 2022

 

However, the innovation almost got backfired as Root’s sweep shot was put down by pacer Naseem Shah at mid-wicket.

He obviously took the hint as he quickly ditched the idea and played the remainder of his innings as he usually does as a right-hander.

Later, Root was later dismissed for 73 as England continued the aggressive approach they have displayed consistently throughout this first Test.

Imam-ul-Haq and Saud Shakeel resisted with a valiant 55-run partnership to steer Pakistan to 80/2 after England set a 343-run target following a brave decision by captain Ben Stokes to declare the second innings on 264/7, on the penultimate day of the first Test.

The fiery England side turned the dull Rawalpindi Test into an enthralling contest as they put Pakistan to bat again on the same day and took wickets to put the home team under pressure.

Pakistan, however, are perfectly positioned to win the first Test as they require 263 runs on the final day to take the lead in the three-match series.

Ben Stokes-led side undertook an aggressive approach as they batted only 36 overs in their second turn after bowling out Pakistan 579 in the first session on day 4.

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RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official on Friday provided an update regarding veteran batter Azhar Ali’s injury scare during the post-match press conference after the conclusion of Day 4 of the ongoing Rawalpindi Test.

According to the PCB spokesperson, Azhar will undergo an X-Ray at a local hospital here as a precautionary method to examine a likely injury that the former sustained on the fourth day of the Rawalpindi Test.

“Azhar Ali’s finger is injured. He is being taken for the x-rays,” shared the PCB media manager.

“If there is any more information, we will share it,” he added.

Ollie Robinson’s short ball struck Azhar hard and hurt his index finger. The physio treated the right-handed batter on the field, but he made the decision to return to the pavilion.

It is pertinent to mention that the fiery England side turned the dull Rawalpindi Test into an enthralling contest as they put Pakistan to bat again on the same day and took wickets to put the home team under pressure.

Pakistan, however, are perfectly positioned to win the first Test as they require 263 runs on the final day to take a lead in the three-match series.

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RAWALPINDI: Pakistan all-rounder commented on his side’s approach towards the ongoing Rawalpindi Test after England captain Ben Stokes’s brave decision of declaring the second innings set the hosts a 343-run target.

Agha, while talking at the post-match press conference following the conclusion of an eventful fourth day of the first Test as Pakistan need a further 263 runs on the final day and shared that the team’s top priority would be to save the match but also asserted that the home side’s camp is eyeing to win.

“Top priority is to save the match. We are very excited to bat and if found the opportunity I will try my best to win it for my team,” Agha shared.

“Everyone in the camp is discussing winning this match but we must give credit to England for the way they played,” he added.

In a query regarding his style of play and the instructions from the team’s management, the all-rounder shared that he has been given the liberty to play in his comfort zone.

It is pertinent to mention that the fiery England side turned the dull Rawalpindi Test into an enthralling contest as they put Pakistan to bat again on the same day and took wickets to put the home team under pressure.

Pakistan, however, are perfectly positioned to win the first Test as they require 263 runs on the final day to take a lead in the three-match series.

READ: Imam, Saud lead Pakistan chase after England brave declare 

RAWALPINDI: Imam-ul-Haq and Saud Shakeel resisted with a valiant 55-run partnership to steer Pakistan to 80/2 after England set a 343-run target following a brave decision by captain Ben Stokes to declare second innings on 264/7, on the penultimate day of the first Test. 

The fiery England side turned the dull Rawalpindi Test into an enthralling contest as they put Pakistan to bat again on the same day and took wickets to put the home team under pressure.

Pakistan, however, are perfectly positioned to win the first Test as they require 263 runs on the final day to take a lead in the three-match series.

Ben Stokes-led side undertook an aggressive approach as they batted only 36 overs in their second turn after bowling out Pakistan 579 in the first session on day 4.

Brook and Joe Root dominated Pakistan bowlers for most of the post-lunch session as the two gathered for a brilliant 96-run partnership before Zahid got rid of Root and incoming batter Stokes in the same over.

Former captain Root played a sensational knock at a strike rate of over 100, scoring 73 off 69, including six fours while Brook continued to take on Pakistan bowlers as he smashed 11 fours and three sixes during his blistering knock of 65-ball 87.

Naseem Shah knocked down danger-man Brook before umpires called the session while Stokes decided to declare the innings during the interval.

Pakistan underwent a dismal start to their chase as first-inning centurion Abdullah Shafique was dismissed cheaply on 6 by pacer Ollie Robinson before veteran Azhar Ali walked off the field after getting retiring hurt.

Skipper Stokes then took the priceless wicket of his counterpart in the very next over after he just faced five balls before Saud and Imam prolonged their stay on the crease. Imam moved closer to his half-century while Saud was batting at 24 off 42 till the close of the day.

Earlier Naseem earned a prompt breakthrough for Pakistan when he dismissed first-innings’ centurion Ben Duckett on a golden duck in the very first over of England’s batting.

Debutant Mohammad Ali then struck down Ollie Pope after he managed 15 off 13 as the visiting side was restricted to 46/2 before Lunch

Despite the early scares, England batters were on the charge and attempted to quickly increase their lead and achieve a solid total in order to prevent the game from a draw.

Earlier, part-timer Will Jacks produced dream figures of 6 for 161 as he hunted down the remaining three wickets to book Pakistan early on Day four as they resumed from the overnight score of 499/7.

All-rounder Agha Salman notched up his half-century before he fell prey to off-spinner Jack, who then went on to dismiss Haris Rauf and Zahid Mahmood.

Earlier on Day three, Pakistan gave a befitting response to England’s record total when skipper Babar Azam dominated the touring party’s bowlers and raised his 8th Test hundred after both the openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique scored centuries too.

Pakistan openers piled up an astounding 221-run partnership as Abdullah played a phenomenal knock of 209-ball 114 while Imam contributed 121 off 207.

Skipper Babar, however, smashed a remarkable 168-ball 136 as he stitched a magnificent 123-run partnership with Saud Shakeel for the fourth wicket.

For England, apart from Jacks’ outstanding bowling figures, spinner Jack Leach took two scalps while pacers Ollie Robinson and veteran James Anderson also had a wicket each.

RAWALPINDI: England part-time bowler Will Jacks ran through the lower order to help the visiting side bundle out Pakistan for 579 in the first innings – 78 runs behind England’s 657 – on the penultimate day of the first Test, here on Sunday. 

Jacks produced dream figures of 6 for 161 as he hunt down the remaining three wickets to book Pakistan early on Day four as they resumed from the overnight score of 499/7.

All-rounder Agha Salman notched up his half-century before he fell prey to off-spinner Jack, who then went on to dismiss Haris Rauf and Zahid Mahmood.

Earlier on Day three, Pakistan gave a befitting response to England’s record total when skipper Babar Azam dominated the touring party’s bowlers and raised his 8th Test hundred after both the openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique scored centuries too.

Pakistan openers piled up an astounding 221-run partnership as Abdullah played a phenomenal knock of 209-ball 114 while Imam contributed 121 off 207.

Skipper Babar, however, smashed a remarkable 168-ball 136 as he stitched a magnificent 123-run partnership with Saud Shakeel for the fourth wicket.

For England, apart from Jack’s outstanding bowling figures, spinner Jack Leach took two scalps while pacers Ollie Robinson and veteran James Anderson also had a wicket each.

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RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s left-handed opener Imam-ul-Haq commented on the team’s batting approach in response to England’s mammoth total of 657 in the first innings of the ongoing Rawalpindi Test.

Pakistan batters had a tough task ahead of them when England batters finished at a massive 657 at the back of four centuries from Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope and Harry Brook.

The hosts, however, did not hold back on what is considered to be a batting paradise as centuries from Imam, Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam put Pakistan in a fighting position as they finished at 499/7 and are still 158 runs behind.

One of Pakistan’s centurions Imam then talked to the media after the conclusion of the third day, which too remained majorly dominated by the batters and shared how Pakistan’s batters approached England’s massive total.

“Sometimes, when you see the opposition team scoring 650 runs it gives you a really tough time mentally as the expectations from us also mount that we too, will play longer,” said Imam.

“Since they have played the first innings and scored a massive total so we were not left with many chances, we can’t take risks and also need to save the team,” he added.

The left-handed opener then responded to a question regarding Pakistan’s approach towards the outcome of the high-scoring match and shared that the team is not thinking yet to go for the draw.

“Again when there are 650 runs on the board, so obviously, first of all, we have to save ourselves. But, we did not think about going for the draw as of yet because their total was around 650 so we had to play four to five sessions at least to get closer to them,” Imam shared.

Imam then went on to predict the nature of the pitch in the last two days by sharing that it has already started breaking and he also experienced a little uneven bounce on the third day.

“I noted the variations in the pitch today. It started to break and bowlers were getting a little more bounce but sometimes it kept low,” shared Imam.

“It was the third-day wicket so in upcoming days it would definitely change and might no longer be a batting paradise,” Imam stated.

“But again I would say, we would play as per the situations we get and play in the present and once we get in a certain situation then we will also be looking at the future that either we have to go for the chase or to fight for the draw,” he maintained.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan gave a befitting response to England’s record 657-run total as the home side raised 499/7 before stumps with help of Imam, Abdullah and Babar’s centuries.

READ: Pakistan even response with three tons hangs Rawalpindi Test in balance

RAWALPINDI: Batters dominated another day in the Rawalpindi Test as skipper Babar Azam smashed the third century of Pakistan’s innings, after both the openers, as Pakistan reduced England’s first inning lead to 158 runs on the third day of the opening Test, here on Saturday. 

Pakistan gave a befitting response to England’s record 657-run total as the home side raised 499/7 before stumps with help of Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique and Babar’s hundreds.

The skipper stitched a magnificent 123-run partnership with Saud Shakeel for the fourth wicket and erected a bulwark against the England bowling attack following the first-session scares.

However, England’s bowlers forced a comeback on the flat surface when Ollie Robinson struck down Saud, who managed a cautious stay on the crease as he scored 37 off 94 balls, soon after Tea.

Spinner Will Jacks then ceased Babar’s phenomenal knock of 168-ball 136 before veteran James Anderson took his first wicket in Pakistan, dismissing wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan for 29 off 44 balls.

Earlier spinners rejoiced England in the pre-lunch session as they took down three wickets before Imam and Abdullah completed their centuries in the first session on day 3.

Pakistan openers piled up an astounding 221-run partnership as Abdullah raised his third Test century early on the third day before Will Jacks gave England the much-needed breakthrough.

Part-timer Jacks had his first Test wicket when he dismissed promising Abdullah in a caught-behind wicket after scoring 114 off 203, including 13 fours and three sixes.

Imam (121 off 207) soon followed the suit and fell prey to Jack Leach, who then went on to hunt experienced Azhar Ali after managing 27 off 47.