Pakistan take handy lead over England, suffer early blows in second innings

**MULTAN:** Pakistan secured a 152-run lead against England but stumbled to 77-4 in their second innings on day three of the second Test at the Multan Cricket Stadium. 

Off-spinner Sajid Khan was the standout performer for Pakistan, claiming seven wickets to bowl England out for 291 in a spin-dominated contest.  

Batting on a pitch offering sharp turn and making shot-making difficult, Pakistan faced trouble when England’s off-spinner Shoaib Bashir took three crucial wickets to keep his team in the game. 

Recognizing the spin-friendly conditions, England captain Ben Stokes opened the bowling with spinners from both ends, deploying Bashir alongside left-arm spinner Jack Leach. Even when Leach was rested, Stokes continued with spin, bringing part-time off-spinner Joe Root into the attack.  

Bashir made an immediate impact, dismissing Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique for four. England successfully overturned the initial not-out decision through DRS, with replays revealing a faint edge. 

Shan Masood followed soon after, falling for 11 while attempting a flick, only to edge it to Ollie Pope at second slip. Saim Ayub also looked promising before succumbing to the same Pope-Bashir combination on the last ball before lunch. 

At the break, Saud Shakeel (10*) and Mohammad Rizwan (0*) were unbeaten at the crease, with Pakistan at 77-4 after Kamran Ghulam was dismissed for 26. 

Earlier in the day, England resumed their innings at 239-6 but lost their remaining four wickets within the first hour, handing Pakistan a first-innings lead of 75. 

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali wrapped up the tail, finishing with three wickets, as England lost all 10 wickets to Pakistan’s spin attack, with Aamer Jamal being the only seamer in the hosts' bowling lineup.