Shan Masood frustrates England's victory push in third Test
Shan Masood and Azan Awais both scored half-centuries as Pakistan held up England’s victory charge in the third Test at Edgbaston on Friday. The visitors showed belated grit at the end of a one-sided series to reach 184-3 at lunch on the third day, trailing the home side by 136 runs as they battle to avoid a humiliating 3-0 whitewash. Pakistan appeared to be at risk of an ignominious two-day…
Shan Masood and Azan Awais contributed crucial half-centuries as Pakistan thwarted England's pursuit of a win in the third Test at Edgbaston. Despite England's strong start, the visiting team displayed resilience on the third day, reaching 184-3 at lunch, trailing by 136 runs. The match came down to the wire after Pakistan faced a potential two-day defeat when they lost two wickets without scoring on Thursday.
However, a mix of rain and determined batting kept them in the game. Azan and the experienced Shan put on 125 runs together before Azan was caught down the leg side off Dan Lawrence. The initial decision to give Azan not out was overturned, and he departed for 59. Babar Azam then joined Masood, reaching 26 not out at lunch, with his partner still unbeaten on 83.
England had dominated the series, winning the first game by an innings and 103 runs and the second by 194 runs. The tourists have struggled throughout their tour, facing multiple crises and now facing a potential 16th Test defeat in 21 matches. Following their second defeat, England dismissed seven players and replaced head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul, making four changes to their lineup in Birmingham.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
