RAWALPINDI — In an audacious and historic tactical ploy that electrified the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan unleashed an all-spin opening assault that dismantled England's batting lineup on the opening day of the decisive third Test on Thursday. Off-spinner Sajid Khan produced a masterclass of flight and turn, capturing 6 for 128, while veteran left-arm spinner Noman Ali claimed 3 for 88 to bowl out the tourists for 267.
Historic Double-Spin Attack with the New Ball
Marking the first occasion in Pakistan's Test cricket history that two spinners opened bowling with the brand-new ball on Day 1, captain Shan Masood handed the cherry immediately to Sajid Khan and Noman Ali. The duo justified the aggressive strategy on a bone-dry, heavily baked Rawalpindi surface, bowling in tandem for an unbroken 42-over spell throughout the morning session.
England, having won the toss and elected to bat, initially found boundaries through openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. However, the introduction of relentless spin quickly disrupted England's aggressive approach. Noman Ali struck first by removing Crawley for 29, before Sajid spun a sharp off-break through the defense of Duckett (52). Sajid then produced unplayable deliveries to remove Ollie Pope, Joe Root (5), and captain Ben Stokes (12), reducing England to a precarious 110 for 5 shortly after lunch.
Jamie Smith Rescues Tourists Before Tail Collapses
Wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith led a gritty counter-attack for England, counter-punching with 89 off 119 deliveries featuring six boundaries and four towering sixes. Smith shared a stubborn 105-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Gus Atkinson (39), momentarily shifting momentum.
Sajid Khan broke the threatening stand by forcing Atkinson into a miscued drive caught and bowled, before Zahid Mahmood dismissed Smith shy of a century. Sajid completed his six-wicket haul by cleaning up Rehan Ahmed and Jack Leach as England were bundled out in 68.2 overs.
Late Drama in Final Session
In response, Pakistan navigated a tense late-afternoon session, closing Day 1 on 73 for 3 after 23 overs, trailing England by 194 runs. England's spin pair Shoaib Bashir and Jack Leach hit back quickly, trapping Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, and Kamran Ghulam. Captain Shan Masood and vice-captain Saud Shakeel remained unbeaten at stumps.
The winner of the Rawalpindi fixture will claim the three-match series, currently tied at 1-1 after England won the first Test in Multan by an innings and Pakistan rebounded emphatically with a 152-run victory in the second. For comprehensive ball-by-ball analysis and sports coverage, visit PakPulse247's Sports section and News desk.