MULTAN: In a captivating second day of the ongoing second Test match between Pakistan and England, off-spinner Sajid Khan emerged as the star performer, leading a remarkable fightback for the home side after a solid century from England’s Ben Duckett.

At stumps, England found themselves in a precarious position at 239-6, having lost four wickets for just 28 runs in a dramatic collapse. The day commenced with England resuming their innings at 122-1, with Duckett and Ollie Pope at the crease. The pair initially continued to build on their partnership, with Duckett displaying aggressive stroke play that had him on 114 runs by the time he was dismissed. His innings, which included 16 boundaries, was instrumental in giving England a robust platform early in the innings. However, the complexion of the game changed dramatically in the third session. Duckett and Pope combined for a brisk 52-run stand, but Sajid Khan’s entry into the attack turned the tide for Pakistan.

He delivered a brilliant spell, showcasing his skills with the ball as he clean-bowled Pope for 29 with a delivery that turned sharply, catching the batsman off-guard. With the partnership broken, the pressure mounted on the English batsmen. Sajid Khan, capitalizing on the supportive conditions for spinners in Multan, quickly made further inroads into England’s batting line-up. He soon dismissed the in-form Joe Root, who had been looking to anchor the innings, for 34. Sajid’s brilliant spell continued as he trapped Duckett lbw shortly after, ending the opener’s impressive knock. The dismissal of Duckett not only marked a significant blow to England’s innings but also highlighted Sajid’s ability to perform in pressure situations. The fall of these key wickets left England reeling at 225-6, and it was a sharp reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in Test cricket. England, who had been cruising at 211-2, now faced a daunting challenge as the Pakistani bowlers tightened their grip on the game. Harry Brook, who had been looking to stabilize the innings, fell victim to Sajid just five balls after Duckett’s dismissal, further compounding England’s woes. Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, demonstrated exceptional discipline, exploiting the turning conditions to keep the pressure on the visiting batsmen. Noman Ali played a crucial role as well, dismissing England’s captain Ben Stokes for just one run in the next over, adding to the growing list of English casualties. This rapid sequence of wickets transformed the match, as the once-solid English innings began to disintegrate. As the day progressed, Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse sought to rebuild after the collapse. They played cautiously, focusing on defending their wickets and limiting the damage. Their partnership, which lasted through the latter stages of the day, saw them manage only 14 runs from 52 balls as they navigated through a challenging period against an inspired Pakistani bowling attack. Their efforts allowed England to close the day at 239-6, but they faced an uphill battle heading into Day 3.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan had been bowled out for 366 runs during the second session. Jack Leach, who played a vital role in England’s bowling effort, wrapped up the innings by claiming the final wicket of Noman Ali, who contributed a valuable 32 runs while batting at number 10. Leach’s performance was commendable, as he managed to keep the runs in check despite the aggressive batting from the Pakistani middle order. As the players left the field at stumps, the dynamics of the match had shifted significantly. Pakistan, after having initially struggled with the bat, showcased their resilience with the ball, and Sajid Khan’s impressive spell proved to be a turning point. The home side will be keen to capitalize on this momentum, looking to bowl England out cheaply on Day 3 and take control of the Test. With Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse resuming play on Day 3, England’s chances of recovery will heavily depend on their ability to counter the Pakistani spin attack. The pitch at Multan has shown signs of assisting spinners, making it imperative for the English batsmen to adapt their approach. As the tension builds heading into the next day, cricket fans are in for an exciting contest, with both teams having their sights set firmly on victory. Will Sajid Khan continue his wicket-taking spree, or can England’s lower order withstand the pressure and mount a respectable total? The answers will unfold as the action resumes in Multan.