BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan set England a target of 130 runs to win the Birmingham Test after being bowled out for 449 in their second innings at Edgbaston.
Pakistan’s determined batting effort helped the team avoid an innings defeat, although England still remain in a strong position to complete a clean sweep. Shan Masood top-scored for Pakistan with 95 runs, while captain Babar Azam contributed 76. Opener Azaan Owais also scored a half-century.
Resuming their second innings at 52-2 on the third day, Pakistan saw Owais build a century partnership with Masood before being dismissed after reaching his fifty. Masood then narrowly missed out on a century, falling five runs short.
Babar Azam also played an important innings of 76, but the late-order resistance stole the spotlight.
Rizwanullah produced an aggressive display, smashing a world-record nine sixes while putting together a century partnership with Mohammad Abbas. Their stand not only helped Pakistan avoid an innings defeat but also pushed England’s required target beyond 100.
Abbas registered a career-best 42 runs, providing crucial support during the lower-order fightback. Earlier, England were bowled out for 453 runs in their first innings. Harry Brook top-scored with 75, while Jamie Smith made 69. Dan Lawrence, Emilio Gay and Ollie Robinson also scored half-centuries. On his Test debut, Razaullah impressed with the ball as well, claiming four wickets for Pakistan.
