England Tightens Grip as Pakistan Struggles to Avoid Innings Defeat on Day 4

England continued their dominance on the fourth day of the first Test against Pakistan at Multan Cricket Stadium, as the hosts found themselves in deep trouble, trailing by 115 runs with six wickets down in their second innings. Pakistan, facing a massive first-innings deficit of 267, faltered early and ended the day at 152 for six in their second innings.

After losing wickets rapidly, Pakistan was reduced to 82 for six in just 24.2 overs. However, Salman Ali Agha (41* off 49 balls, 5 fours) and Aamir Jamal (27* off 48 balls, 2 fours) fought back with an unbeaten 70-run stand for the seventh wicket, giving some respite to the hosts as they struggled to stave off an innings defeat.

England’s Bowling Dominance
Brydon Carse (2-39) and Gus Atkinson (2-28) were instrumental in England’s relentless attack, both claiming two wickets each, making it difficult for Pakistan’s top order to establish themselves at the crease.

England’s Mammoth First Innings Total
Earlier in the day, England declared their first innings at a massive 823 for seven in 150 overs. This total is the fourth-highest in Test cricket history. Resuming on their overnight score of 492 for three, Joe Root and Harry Brook extended their extraordinary partnership, which became the fourth-highest in Test history. Root scored 262 off 375 balls, including 17 boundaries, marking his sixth double century and his second against Pakistan.

However, the highlight of the day belonged to Harry Brook, whose monumental 317 off 322 deliveries, laced with 29 fours and three sixes, made him only the sixth Englishman to score a triple century in Test cricket. Brook’s innings placed England in complete control of the match, enabling captain Ben Stokes to declare their innings.

For Pakistan, bowlers Naseem Shah and Saim Ayub picked up two wickets each but were largely unable to contain the English onslaught.

Pakistan’s Struggle in the First Innings
In response to England’s imposing total, Pakistan’s first innings had earlier shown promise, thanks to stellar centuries from Shan Masood (151), Salman Ali Agha (104*), and Abdullah Shafique (102). Saud Shakeel also contributed with a solid 82. However, Pakistan fell short at 556 all out, conceding a significant 267-run lead.

As the game heads into its final day, Pakistan faces the daunting task of saving the Test match. With only four wickets in hand and a deficit of 115 runs, their lower order, led by Salman Ali Agha and Aamir Jamal, will have to dig deep to avoid an innings defeat.

Scores in Brief:

• England 823-7 dec (Harry Brook 317, Joe Root 262, Ben Duckett 84, Zak Crawley 78; Saim Ayub 2-101, Naseem Shah 2-157)
• Pakistan 556 all out (Shan Masood 151, Salman Ali Agha 104*, Abdullah Shafique 102, Saud Shakeel 82; Jack Leach 3-160)
  & 152-6 (Salman Ali Agha 41*, Saud Shakeel 29, Aamir Jamal 27*; Gus Atkinson 2-28, Brydon Carse 2-39)

Pakistan trails by 115 runs with four wickets remaining in their second innings, as they look to force a draw on the final day.