Wed Oct 16 19:04:12 UTC 2024: ## England’s Middle Order Crumbles as Pakistan Post 366 in First Innings
**Rawalpindi, Pakistan:** England’s middle order faltered on Day 2 of the second Test against Pakistan, collapsing in the face of a disciplined bowling attack. The visitors lost four wickets for just 14 runs, ending the day on 239/6, trailing Pakistan by 127 runs.
Earlier, Pakistan, resuming on 266/3, managed to add less than 100 runs to their Day 1 total before being bowled out for 366. Jack Leach was the pick of the bowlers for England, claiming four wickets, while Brydon Carse snagged three.
England had started their innings brightly, with Ben Duckett smashing a century in just 120 balls. However, the momentum shifted dramatically as Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, and Ben Stokes all fell in quick succession.
The day began with Pakistan’s tailenders showcasing their resilience and extending their team’s lead. Noman Ali and Aamer Jamal, in particular, put up a determined 49-run partnership. However, England’s bowlers remained persistent, eventually wrapping up the Pakistan innings.
The second innings saw Pakistan’s bowlers maintain pressure, forcing England into a series of mistakes. The middle order’s collapse leaves England with a fight on their hands if they want to avoid losing the Test match.
**Key Highlights:**
* Pakistan bowled out for 366, with Jack Leach taking 4 wickets.
* Ben Duckett scored a century for England in their first innings.
* England’s middle order collapsed, losing four wickets in a 14-run span.
* England ended the day on 239/6, trailing Pakistan by 127 runs.
**The focus now shifts to Day 3, where England will need to find a way to recover from their middle-order woes and build a substantial lead to secure victory in the match.**
First Piper 