Pakistan vs England – 1st Rawalpindi Test Hangs in Balance After England’s Bold Declaration

The 1^st Rawalpindi Test match between Pakistan vs England has taken an unusual turn as England chose to declare early to give Pakistan a chasable 343-run target. Will England manage to win the match from here? Or, will Pakistan chase the 4th innings total to finish the match on a high? England continued with their aggressive approach and positive mindset when they chose to declare their 4th innings at 246 for 7. This meant that Pakistan had to chase a stiff total of 343 runs in almost four remaining sessions of the test match.

Pakistan vs England 1st Rawalpindi Test – Pakistan’s 1st Innings:

Pakistan was bundled out for 579 runs after centuries from their openers and the captain. The Rawalpindi test match has been running in an alternate universe. England have shown absolutely no regard for the bowling or the conventional ways while Pakistan have played it in a traditional manner. Pakistan’s response to England’s 657 run mountain was a conservative but positive one.

Their openers stitched together a double century stand while their Captain Babar Azam scored another 100 to stabilize Pakistan. Babar made 136, Imam scored 121 while Abdullah Shafique scored 114. In addition to the centuries, young Agha Salman crafted a well-made half-century while batting with the tail to take Pakistan closer to the England’s score. Pakistan was all out for 579, giving England a 78-run first innings lead. Will Jacks had picked up six wickets on debut, on what was a flat Rawalpindi deck.

Pakistan vs England 1st Rawalpindi Test – England’s Aggression Continued in the Second Innings:

England had come out all guns blazing in their second innings, despite losing Ben Duckett for a first ball duck. Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope showed some aggression but Ollie Pope was caught at deep square leg. Crawley batted well to get to his half century. He made 50 off 48 balls before tickling one down the leg side to the keeper.

Despite losing wickets, England continued to go hard at the bowlers. Joe Root even batted left-handed to show how easy the conditions were. He made 73 from 69 balls while Harry Brooks stole the show once again with his 87 from 65 balls.

At Tea, England chose to declare at 267 for 7. Thus, giving Pakistan a 343-run target to chase in the final innings. This was an interesting move considering how easy the conditions have been throughout this test match.

This was a brave declaration. Some even called it a stupid declaration as the run chase would be pretty easy for Pakistan on the final day if they manage to get through the day without losing many wickets.

Pakistan had started out positively but lost Abdullah Shafiq and Babar Azam in quick succession. In between that, Azhar Ali was hurt and retired out. If he does not come out to bat again, Pakistan is effectively three-down.

Saud Shakeel and Imam UL Haq did well to stabilize the boat as Pakistan made 80/2 before end of play.

An interesting final day is a guarantee with all three results possible!

Pakistan vs England 1st Rawalpindi Test – Full Team List Squad

Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc & wk), Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Zahid Mahmood.

England squad: Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Joe Root, James Anderson, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Keaton Jennings, Jack Leach, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Mark Wood, Rehan Ahmed.

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