Pakistan and England They are set for a thrilling encounter in the third and final Test in Rawalpindi. After a heavy defeat on a flat pitch in Multan, he took bold decisions by leaving out key players like Pakistan. Babar Azam, Nasim Shah and Shaheen Afridi. This was effective as a strategic overhaul Shan Masud’s side made a remarkable comeback on the way back, effectively leveling the streak.
Pakistan will spoil England’s WTC chances
England will face a significant challenge from Pakistan’s spinners as the teams head into the decider, Noman Ali and Sajid Khanwho played an important role in Pakistan’s previous victory. May be out of contention for Pakistan World Test Championship (WTC) in the final, they still have the opportunity to upset England’s chances and break their disappointing streak at home with a back-to-back win.
Also READ: PAK vs ENG 2024, 3rd Test: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report | Pakistan vs England
PAK vs ENG, 3rd Test: Top 5 key battles to watch out for
1. Joe Root vs Sajid Khan: Joe Root is one of England’s most reliable Test batsmen and stands as a formidable force against Pakistan’s bowling attack. His vast experience and ability to build long shots make him a key figure for England in this series. Sajid, Pakistan’s premier spin bowler, will again be under pressure to curb Root’s scoring prowess. After a crucial performance in the previous match, Sajid will focus on repeating his successful spell, aiming to thwart Root’s efforts to anchor the innings and swing the momentum back in Pakistan’s favour.
2. Ben Duckett vs. Noman Ali: Ben Duckett has shown remarkable consistency throughout the series, proving to be a vital contributor at the top of England’s batting order. His aggressive strokeplay and ability to perform under pressure positions him as a key player. Opposing him will be Pakistan’s experienced left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who will be keen to exploit Duckett’s aggression with his subtle variations and guile. This alignment is vital as Noman’s ability to disrupt partnerships can significantly affect the dynamics of the game and shift the momentum towards Pakistan.
3. Kamran Ghulam and Jack Leach: Kamran Ghulam made an impressive debut with a stunning century, hinting at England’s ability to tackle the bowling line-up. As he enters the final Test, his confidence grows. In opposition, Jack Leach, the best player in the series, will look to disrupt Ghulam’s plans. Known for his accuracy and precision, Leach has consistently troubled Pakistan’s batsmen and his duel with the young Pakistani talent promises to be a compelling spectacle. Ghulam’s ability to build on his early success against Leach will be crucial to Pakistan’s batting strategy.
4. Salman Agha and Rehan Ahmed: Salman Agha has emerged as a reliable stalwart for Pakistan in the current Test series, scoring over 250 runs in four innings that includes two fifties and a century. His performances were instrumental in preventing the team from collapsing, helping Pakistan to a respectable finish that rivaled England throughout the series.
In contrast, promising young spinner Rehan Ahmed was included in the playing XI for the final Test. Rehan, who made his Test debut a few years ago, showed an ability to handle pressure and make breakthroughs that he was instrumental in countering Agha’s threat, making this match a key battle to watch as the series unfolded.
5. Shoaib Bashir and Mohammad Rizwan: Shoaib Bashir has shown impressive potential in his recent outings, displaying aggressive batting skills that can significantly impact Pakistan’s innings. The ability to score quickly makes him the main player of the team, putting pressure on the opponent. On the other hand, Mohammad Rizwan has been the cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting known for his consistency and calm demeanor under pressure.
As the team’s keeper, Rizwan’s experience and ability to set up shots will play a vital role in stabilizing the batting order. The duel between Bashir’s explosive style and Rizwan’s steady approach could be the deciding factor in the final Test as Pakistan look to secure a series win against England.
