Saud Shakeel nears century as Pakistan lose four before lunch

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan stand at 187 for seven at lunch after the first session on Friday. The men in green lost four wickets to some devastating spin bowling by Shoaib Bashir and Rehan Ahmed. However, Saud Shakeel made his 11th test fifty.

Bashir struck first on Friday, dismissing Pakistan skipper Shan Masood in the 36th over. The captain made 26 runs off 70 deliveries before being caught out by Ollie Pope after Masood lunged at the ball, popping it up to second slip.

Mohammad Rizwan came in to try and steady Pakistan’s innings. He hit a six in the 39th over, and a four in the very next. Saud Shakeel got involved int the action, hitting a couple fours in the following overs, the second of which brought up his half century. It was his sixth test fifty against England, and his 11th all time. Shakeel is nearing a century, currently standing at 72 runs made off 132 deliveries, hitting four fours in the process.

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England would put the pressure back on in the 50th over, as Rehan Ahmed picked up his first wicket. Rizwan attempted to sweep, but ended up missing the ball which hit his back pad. Pakistan reviewed but to no avail.

Ahmed would strike again a couple overs later, dismissing Salman Agha on the ninth delivery he faced, after the Pakistani all-rounder only made one run. The delivery from Ahmed once again found the back pad of the batsman and the lbw was given.

Aamer Jamal would be sent off in the 58th over, courtesy of a googly from Ahmed. The ball found an inside edge before ricocheting onto the stumps.

Pakistan stand at 187 for 7 at lunch, with Saud Shakeel and Noman Ali currently batting. They trail by 80 runs.

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