Sajid Khan showcased his brilliance with the ball on Day 3 of the Test match, claiming seven wickets for 111 runs, bowling England out for 291. Pakistan’s impressive bowling attack restricted England, leaving them trailing by 75 runs at the innings break, setting the stage for a crucial final phase in this competitive Test.
Khan’s performance has further solidified his reputation as one of Pakistan’s emerging bowling talents, using his off-break deliveries to trouble the English batting line-up. His relentless pressure and sharp turn troubled England throughout the innings. England’s top order, including well-established players, struggled against Sajid’s precise and well-controlled bowling. The lower-order batsmen were unable to resist his continuous onslaught as wickets tumbled, setting Pakistan in a strong position with a healthy lead.
Pakistan started the match with an impressive first innings total, thanks to contributions from their top and middle-order batsmen. Despite early breakthroughs by England’s bowlers, Pakistan held firm, showcasing a balanced batting effort. The team’s total put England on the back foot, forcing them into a position where they needed to bat with caution and aggression. However, Sajid Khan’s sensational spell dashed any hopes England had of building momentum in their innings.
England’s batting started off steadily, but Khan’s introduction into the attack quickly changed the dynamic. The English openers were dismissed within a few overs, setting the tone for a challenging session for the visitors. England’s captain and other key players found it difficult to navigate the spin-friendly conditions. Khan was able to get consistent drift and turn, making him nearly unplayable at times. His seven wickets not only kept the opposition’s score in check but also gave Pakistan a psychological advantage.
As England’s middle order collapsed under pressure, there was some resistance from their lower order, but Sajid Khan broke through their defenses at regular intervals. England’s tailenders couldn’t withstand the continuous pressure, and the final wicket fell with the team at 291, trailing by 75 runs. Sajid Khan’s heroics will be remembered as one of the standout bowling performances of this Test series.
For Pakistan, the key now lies in capitalizing on this strong position. With a 75-run lead, they will look to extend their dominance in the second innings and set England a daunting target for the final day of the Test. The pitch is expected to offer more turn as the match progresses, which means that Sajid Khan could play an even bigger role in the fourth innings if England is forced to chase.
England, on the other hand, faces a difficult challenge to stay in this contest. Their batting has shown some vulnerability against spin, and they will need to make significant adjustments to counter Khan and the other Pakistani bowlers in the second innings. Whether England can mount a comeback or Pakistan continues its dominance will depend largely on how both teams approach the final two days of the match.
Sajid Khan’s performance has drawn widespread praise, not just for his figures but for his discipline and ability to bowl long, probing spells without losing his edge. His seven-wicket haul is a reminder of how vital spin can be in subcontinental conditions and how Pakistan’s spin attack continues to evolve, with players like Sajid Khan leading the charge.
As the Test progresses into its final stages, all eyes will be on how Pakistan builds on this lead and whether Sajid Khan can continue his magical run with the ball. His bowling has already turned the tide in Pakistan’s favor, but with England known for their resilience, the match remains far from over.