Pakistan vs England: Second Test hangs in balance after tourists lose two wickets chasing 297 to complete series victory | Cricket News

England’s second Test against Pakistan hangs in the balance as the tourists closed on 36-2 chasing a 297 victory target after an enthralling third day in Multan.

Ben Duckett, who scored a century in the first innings, was removed for a duck by Sajid Khan (1-27) and fellow opener Zak Crawley was stumped off Noman Ali (1-9), with England still requiring 261 runs after reaching 36-2 at stumps.

The Multan wicket offered spinners plenty with Jack Leach (3-67) and Shoaib Bashir (4-66) claiming seven wickets between them as Pakistan were 221 all out in their second innings.

However, England were frustrated by Salman Ali Agha’s (63) half-century, made even more painful by the fact that he was dropped twice in the 52nd over on four and six, helping the hosts climb to a healthy lead of 297.

In the morning session, a rampant Sajid took a seven-for as he mopped up England’s tail despite a defiant 29-run stand between Leach and Bashir, adding 59 runs to their overnight score of 239-6.

More to follow…

First Test: Multan – October 7-11 – England won by an innings and 47 runs

Second Test: Multan – October 15-19

Third Test: Rawalpindi – October 24-28

Watch day four of the second Test between Pakistan and England in Multan, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Main Event from 5.50am on Thursday, ahead of play starting from 6am. Stream with NOW