• England were bowled out for 267 in their first innings on Day 1 of the Rawalpindi Test.

  • Pakistan’s batting faced early setbacks as they finished the first day at 73/3.

Twitter reactions: Sajid Khan puts Pakistan ahead despite England bowlers’ late comeback on Day 1 of the 3rd Test
Pakistan vs England (Image Source: X)

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On the first day of the third Test between Pakistan and England in Rawalpindi, October 24, 2024, England were bowled out for 267 in their first innings. Pakistan, in response, ended the day at 73/3 after 23 overs, trailing by 194 runs. The day saw exceptional bowling from Sajid Khan, who took six wickets, while Jamie Smith’s 89-run knock was a standout performance for England

England’s faltering opening partnership

England’s innings began on a shaky note as their openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett shared a modest stand of 56 runs. Crawley looked comfortable initially but was dismissed for 29, failing to convert his start. Soon after, Sajid’s spell changed the game, as he quickly dismantled England’s top order. Ollie Pope, Joe Root and Harry Brook all fell cheaply, putting England in serious trouble at 98/5. Duckett, though resilient, could not carry on much longer and fell leg-before to Noman Ali after reaching his half-century, leaving England’s middle-order in tatters.

Jamie Smith’s gritty fightback

Amid the ruins of England’s collapsing innings, Jamie stood tall, producing a brilliant knock of 89 runs from 119 balls. His innings featured five boundaries and six towering sixes, showcasing both resilience and aggression. Smith formed a crucial partnership with Gus Atkinson, whose patient 39 helped stabilize England’s innings. Together, the pair added 105 valuable runs for the seventh wicket, lifting England from the brink of disaster and pushing them past the 200-run mark. Smith’s resistance finally came to an end when Zahid Mahmood trapped him, but his efforts gave England a fighting total.

Sajid Khan’s bowling masterclass

Pakistan’s spinner Sajid delivered a career-best performance, taking 6/128 to dismantle England’s batting lineup. He bowled with sharp precision, using subtle variations and the turning Rawalpindi pitch to his advantage. Sajid’s consistent pressure on the England batters led to regular breakthroughs, particularly through the middle and lower order, ensuring England couldn’t build partnerships. Noman was a valuable partner in the bowling attack, picking up three wickets, while Zahid claimed the final dismissal to wrap up England’s innings.

Also WATCH: Mohammad Rizwan mocks Harry Brook as England struggles against Pakistan spin

Pakistan’s steady yet shaky response

In reply, Pakistan’s batting faced early setbacks as they cautiously began their innings. Abdullah Shafique was the first to fall, trapped lbw by debutant Shoaib Bashir for 14. Saim Ayub followed soon after, caught by Joe Root off Jack Leach for 19, further stalling Pakistan’s progress. Gus Atkinson’s sharp delivery bowled Kamran Ghulam for just 3, putting Pakistan in a spot of bother at 73/3. By stumps, captain Shan Masood (16*) and Saud Shakeel (16*) were left to rebuild, with Pakistan still trailing by a significant margin but hopeful of a recovery on Day 2.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Also WATCH: Sajid Khan outfoxes Joe Root with his masterful bowling on Day 1 of 3rd Test

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