Pakistan lost the key wicket of half centurion Imam-ul-Haq late on the third day to give England renewed hope in the second cricket test on Sunday. Pakistan finished the day on 198-4. Needs a further 157 to deny England a second successive victory in the three-match series.

England, which held a 79-run first-innings lead, had set up another imposing target of 355 runs. A deteriorating Multan Cricket Stadium wicket after it was bowled out for 275 in its second innings. The tourists had already successfully defended 342 runs. On a flat wicket in the first test to clinch a 74-run win at Rawalpindi in England’s first test in Pakistan for 17 years.

Solid stuff in the final session 👏

All to play for on Day Four.#PAKvENG | #UKSePK pic.twitter.com/r5xL4zvpBJ

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 11, 2022

The lefthanded pair of Imam, who made 60, and Saud Shakeel (54 not out) had thwarted England seam and spin for just over 2-1/2 hours. Shared a 108-run stand before Imam played a lose drive against Jack Leach. The lefthander put his head down in despair before leaving the field as Leach provided the much-needed breakthrough.

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Both lefthanded batters showed grit and determination and used their feet well against England’s spinners until Imam’s miscue. England had earlier missed an opportunity to dismiss Imam soon after he completed his half-century. Television replays showed a tiny spike on Imam’s bat when he tried to glance Mark Wood down the legside delivery. However, captain Ben Stokes didn’t go for the referral.

Third fifty in four innings – @saudshak shows his class once again 🌟#PAKvENG | #UKSePK pic.twitter.com/iUUvvh4loG

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 11, 2022

James Anderson, OIlie Robinson and Wood had baffled Pakistan with a superb display of seam and swing bowling in the middle session. Claiming three wickets for 17 runs before Imam and Shakeel dug in and took Pakistan to 136-3 at tea.