Fri Oct 18 05:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Pakistan Dominate Day Three in Multan, England Face Steep Chase
**Multan, Pakistan:** Pakistan strengthened their grip on the second Test against England, taking a commanding 260-run lead after a thrilling day of cricket that saw a total of 16 wickets fall.
The day began with Pakistan resuming their first innings and adding a crucial 75-run lead thanks to a seven-wicket haul from Sajid Khan, who dismissed England for 291. Noman Ali also played a key role, taking three wickets, including the important wicket of Jamie Smith.
England’s bowlers then fought back, taking three early wickets in the second innings, with Shoaib Bashir emerging as the star performer. Bashir dismissed Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, and Saim Ayub to put England back in the contest.
Pakistan fought back, adding 91 runs for the loss of two wickets in the second session. However, Brydon Carse continued his impressive form, dismissing Mohammad Rizwan for the third time in the series.
In the final session, Jack Leach claimed two wickets, while Bashir added a fourth, leaving Pakistan at 156/8. Agha Salman then came to the rescue, scoring a crucial 63 off 89 balls, to set a target of 297 for England.
England’s chase got off to a disastrous start, with Ben Duckett falling for a two-ball duck to Sajid Khan. Noman Ali then removed Zak Crawley, leaving England reeling at 11/2.
Joe Root and Ollie Pope steadied the ship, but England face a daunting task to chase down the target on a deteriorating pitch that is offering consistent spin, uneven bounce, and reverse swing.
The fourth and final day of the Test promises to be an exciting climax, with England needing to score 261 runs with eight wickets in hand to avoid a series defeat.
First Piper 