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:
5️⃣ for Sajid Khan! 👏
The off-spinner has his third Test five-wicket haul ✨#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/8qs7SJ1bks
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 24, 2024
Another 5 wicket haul for Sajid Khan. 3rd in his small Test career. Eska left hand use nhi hta blah blah.
Issue was in the pitches not in the bowlers. You trusted them, they paid you back but one man in the comm box not ready to accept.
📸 ZAHID ZAIDI#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/ZVtepmiU1h
— Ahmer Najeeb Satti (@AhmerNajeeb) October 24, 2024
Another engrossing day’s play in what’s been a fascinating series in Pakistan. England are marginally ahead for me but Pakistan could certainly wrestle the advantage back. Feels like we’re going to get a thrilling finale to what’s been a see-saw series. Bring on Day 2 #PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/MErNjh0ymH
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) October 24, 2024
From England being 115 /6 & reaching 267 and now Pakistan 61/3 🤣🤣
Total lack of strategy with Sajid Khan & Noman Ali being made to bowl 40 overs on trot.
Aamer Jamal not even given ONE OVER. Idhar Gus Atkinson wicket le gaya… Kamran Ghulam ki#pakveng #pakvseng
— Imperial Tiffin (@Yash_Dhawan_) October 24, 2024
🏴 ENGLAND’S TOP ORDER FELL APART ON THE FIRST MORNING OF THE SERIES-DECIDING THIRD TEST AGAINST PAKISTAN, TUMBLING TO 110 FOR FIVE.
Facing spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, who dominated in Multan, England struggled once again against spin.
The pressure is mounting as they… pic.twitter.com/2vLc5WvpZx
— João Neves (@jon_snow_pt) October 24, 2024
Sajid khan…
Maza aya… Test match mh b …
But yh celebration kaisa hai..ajeeb pic.twitter.com/kH4yJwqRvi
— Sumee Khan (@sheenmaharin) October 24, 2024
Amusing that only spinners bowled today for Pakistan. Wonderful job by them with Sajid Khan leading the way once again.
Excellent knock by Jamie Smith.
— Saba S. Sheikh (@sabassheikh) October 24, 2024
Spinners dominate in Rawalpindi with Sajid Khan picking up 6️⃣ wickets ☄️
England are all out for 267 in the first innings 🏏 pic.twitter.com/R8EEr6kTFV
— Raina🍁 (@Rainaa_71) October 24, 2024
Jamie Smith is the truth . Wish I could’ve seen that knock – shame he didn’t ton up . Serious player
— Tony Steele (@tds122) October 24, 2024
Know what Ben Foakes brings to a team but this was the innings that he was unable to play with the lower order earlier this year in India. Jamie Smith has been a revelation
— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) October 24, 2024
Really good day in the end for England .. Can’t see how this pitch gets better so as with last week the toss crucial .. Jamie smith inside 8 Tests is being labelled the new Gilchrist .. no finer compliment .. #PAKvENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 24, 2024
The thing Jamie Smith does that’s so much better than everyone else is cricket.
— Cameron Ponsonby (@cameronponsonby) October 24, 2024
Day 1, Stumps
Pakistan: 73/3, trail by 194 runs 🏏#cricket #PAKvENG #shoaibbashir #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/5kq4hrnfEu
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 24, 2024
Also WATCH: Sajid Khan outfoxes Joe Root with his masterful bowling on Day 1 of 3rd Test
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