ENG vs PAK: Trailing by 320 runs in the first innings and facing an embarrassing 0-3 series sweep, Pakistan mounted a remarkable second-innings counter-attack on Day 3 of the final Test against England, setting the hosts a tricky target of 130 runs for victory (ENG vs PAK).

After being bundled out for just 133 in their first innings and conceding 453 to England, Pakistan resumed their second innings on Day 3 at 52 for 2. The top order responded with determination, led by Shan Masood’s aggressive 95—featuring 12 boundaries—and Azan Awais’s solid 59. Captain Babar Azam maintained the momentum with a fluent 76 off 103 balls to push the visitors past the 250-mark.

Masood and Razaullah helped in the remarkable turnaround

However, a sudden middle-order collapse threatened to derail the comeback. Fast bowler Jofra Archer and company tore through the lineup, reducing Pakistan to a precarious 318 for 8 and leaving them on the verge of a three-day defeat.

When all seemed lost, lower-order batters Razaullah and Mohammad Abbas executed a stunning rescue act. The duo staged a century partnership for the ninth wicket to completely shift the pressure back onto the hosts. Razaullah smashed a fiery 81 off 63 balls, while Abbas provided steady support with 42 off 67 balls, lifting Pakistan to a final total of 449 in 96.4 overs.

With two full days remaining in the Test (ENG vs PAK), Pakistan’s total secures a 129-run lead. The onus now falls entirely on the Pakistani bowling attack to pull off a miracle defense and salvage their pride, while England needs 130 runs to seal a clean sweep of the series.

Brief Scores: Pakistan 133 (Saud Shakeel 43, Mohammad Abbas 21; Josh Tongue 4-42, Ollie Robinson 3-15) & 449 (Shan Masood 95, Razaullah 81, Babar Azam 76; Gus Atkinson 3-109, Dan Lawrence 2-17) lead England 453 (Harry Brook 75, Jamie Smith 69; Razaullah 4-148) by 129 runs.

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