Saud Shakeel played a remarkable innings on Day 2 of the third Test against England, reaching his fourth Test century and providing a much-needed boost for Pakistan. The game so far has witnessed a gripping contest, with both teams battling for control on the second day. Pakistan, led by a remarkable century from Shakeel, leveled England’s first innings total of 267 by Tea, positioning the match for an intriguing final phase. Shakeel’s innings stood as a pillar of resilience amidst regular dismissals, giving Pakistan hope in a high-stakes situation.
Pakistan’s response against England: Saud Shakeel’s patience and precision
Pakistan’s innings started with caution as the opening pair struggled against England’s tight bowling. Abdullah Shafique (14), Saim Ayub (19) and Kamran Ghulam (3) fell early, bringing Pakistan to 73/3 by the end of first day. Second day, however, saw Shakeel step up with an impressive display of patience and technical skill. Batting through challenging spells, he reached a milestone 100 off 181 balls with a mix of precise singles and strategic boundaries, hitting four well-timed fours.
Shakeel’s partnerships were instrumental, particularly his 50-run stand with Mohammad Rizwan (25), which lifted Pakistan past the 150 runs mark. When Rizwan was trapped lbw by Rehan Ahmed, Shakeel then found an able partner in Noman Ali, whose aggressive 45 off 84 balls included two boundaries and a six, significantly aiding Pakistan’s progress toward England’s total.
Also WATCH: Sajid Khan cleans up Harry Brook on Day 1 of the Rawalpindi Test
England’s counterattack: Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Bashir’s vital strikes
England’s bowlers, led by Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Bashir, countered Pakistan’s fightback effectively. Rehan’s three-wicket haul saw him remove key middle-order players like Rizwan and Aamer Jamal, while Bashir’s accurate deliveries earned him three dismissals as well. Each wicket kept Pakistan on their toes, preventing them from comfortably overtaking England’s score. By Tea on Day 2, Pakistan had equaled England’s total at 267/8 in 84 overs, with Shakeel still unbeaten on a heroic 107. His efforts have set up the match for a thrilling final session, as Pakistan seeks a narrow lead while England’s bowlers push for a swift end to the innings.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Excellent, excellent century by Saud Shakeel just 4 boundaries and 70 in singles, proper Test batting on a slow pitch. Noman doing wonderfully well too. timely partnership for PAK. pic.twitter.com/S0qU5XWz0B
— Rizwan Haider (@razi_haider) October 25, 2024
Saud Shakeel once again showing what an important player he is for Pakistan. Such a shame he didn’t make his Test debut till the age of 27 despite consistent performances in first-class cricket #PAKvENG #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) October 25, 2024
What a Fighting Century by Saud Shakeel, His best out of 5 so far pic.twitter.com/AVeXMCcrtX
— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) October 25, 2024
Brilliant Test Hundred
Absolutely Fantastic from Saud Shakeel
Well player Saud & now try get 50/70 lead #tapmad #DontStopStreaming #PakvEng pic.twitter.com/8d0x6POojv
— Abdul Ghaffar 🇵🇰 (@GhaffarDawnNews) October 25, 2024
Just look at how happy Saud Shakeel’s teammates are for him as he reaches his maiden Test century against England 🇵🇰❤️❤️❤️#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/0N0Rw5JIAw
— Muhammad Noman (@Nomancricket29) October 25, 2024
No Pakistan batter has made more centuries or scored more runs than Saud Shakeel since he has made his debut. This has to be his best innings of the career #PAKvENG
— Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi (@ahsannagi) October 25, 2024
Ton up for Saud Shakeel, Pakistan’s vice captain, who has played a priceless knock in tough conditions, under pressure.
His spin game is impeccable, and he was always going to be Pakistan’s most important batter on this surface.
Terrific innings 💯
— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) October 25, 2024
Saud Shakeel has just scored one of the best test hundreds 👏🏽👏🏽#PAKvENG
— Azeem Rafiq (@AzeemRafiq30) October 25, 2024
I see Saud Shakeel has scored another ton under pressure.
Top, top, Test bat. 👌
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) October 25, 2024
A magnificent century from Saud Shakeel,his 4th in Test cricket,shines as the sole anchor in Pakistan’s innings.With no other batter reaching 50 & a looming threat of being bowled out under 200,he stood resilient alongside Noman Ali to reach his 100.#PAKvNZ #SaudShakeel #PAKvsENG pic.twitter.com/MSQi6ifF3K
— Usman Shaikh 🇮🇳 (@shaikhusman_7) October 25, 2024
One of the finest hundreds that ‘Chota Don’ – Saud Shakeel will remember for a long, long time. Well Played Young Man #PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/SFQMyc0cuY
— Zubair Shakeel Wani (@ZubiTalks) October 25, 2024
Really impressive thing about Saud Shakeel’s 100 is the way he scored it through single doubles, only 4 boundaries in a 100 takes immense patience for a modern day cricketer its as good of a 100 as it gets.
— M. Sarosh Ebrahim (@msarosh) October 25, 2024
Brilliant century by Saud Shakeel pic.twitter.com/oZlAniwjiJ
— Rashid Latif | 🇵🇰 (@iRashidLatif68) October 25, 2024
A century to remember for Saud Shakeel! In the series decider, he pulled his team out of trouble, showing tremendous temperament and skill especially against spin on a spin-friendly track. A masterclass in resilience and technique. Well played, Saud! 👏🏽👏🏽 #PAKvENG
— Bismah Maroof (@maroof_bismah) October 25, 2024
Just look at how happy Saud Shakeel’s teammates are for him as he reaches his maiden Test century against England 🇵🇰❤️❤️❤️#PAKvENG #tapmad #DontStopStreaming pic.twitter.com/WP8TFNJkbe
— Haris Speaks (@Mh092636Haris) October 25, 2024
4️⃣th Test hundred for Saud Shakeel 🏏💯#cricket #PAKvENG #saudshakeel #pakistancricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/8Hu4KJ8E57
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 25, 2024
He is flying high in his short career. Hundred number four for Saud Shakeel 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/RvgkHL2jvY
— Muzammal Hassan (@muzammaldgr) October 25, 2024
Also WATCH: Mohammad Rizwan mocks Harry Brook as England struggles against Pakistan spin
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