Salman Ali Agha scored a sublime 63 to help Pakistan not only reach 221 runs in the third innings, their highest third-inning score in Test cricket this year, but also set England a steep target of 296 to chase in the second Test in Multan.
Pakistan’s Best Third-Inning Scores in 2024
- 221 vs England (second Test in Multan)
- 220 vs England (first Test)
- 115 vs Australia
- 146 and 172 vs Bangladesh
With his side reeling at 158/8, Salman Ali Agha took charge alongside Sajid Ali, adding 65 valuable runs for the 9th wicket. The pair eventually fell in quick succession, setting England an imposing target of 297 runs for the win.
England’s Challenge in Asia
England has never successfully chased a target of 250 runs or more in Asia. With the wicket offering plenty of turn, Pakistan will rely on its plethora of spin options to even the series.
At the end of Day 3, England are 36 for the loss of 2 wickets, thanks to Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, who took the prized wickets of first innings’ centurion Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, respectively. England will need to chase down 261 runs in the remaining two days of the second Test match.
