Oct 24, V7N- On the opening day of the deciding third Test between Pakistan and England, the hosts showcased their spin prowess, reducing the tourists to 110-5. The spin duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali wreaked havoc on England's batting lineup, particularly in one impactful session.
 
Ben Duckett provided some resistance with a solid 52, but captain Ben Stokes, who was batting on six, faced criticism for choosing to bat first on a pitch that favored spin. At the break, Jamie Smith was at the crease on five, as England faced a daunting task to stabilize their innings.
 
Noman Ali struck first, dismissing Zak Crawley for 29 with a well flighted delivery that was edged to Saim Ayub at gully. Sajid Khan continued the assault by claiming the vice-captain Ollie Pope (three), who was unable to handle the turning ball, falling to a sweep shot once again. 
 
Sajid then delivered a critical blow by trapping Joe Root, the top-ranked Test batter, lbw for just five runs with a sharply turning delivery. Duckett reached his fifty, hitting a six off Sajid but was ultimately dismissed lbw in the same over after a low delivery. Sajid capped off a brilliant session by bowling Harry Brook for five, as the young batsman struggled to cope with the spin.
 
With the three-match series tied at 1-1, Pakistan's spinners were in fine form, leaving England to regroup and fight back in the second half of the day's play.
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