England’s tour of Pakistan is drawing to a close with an historic result in sight. Pakistan is hosting England after 17 years and the 3 lions are on course for a whitewash. England need 55 runs with 8 wickets in hand to complete an unprecedented 3-0 score-line.
The tour is validation of the Baz-Ball method adopted since the arrival of former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum as the coach. The duo of Stokes and McCullum has worked well with the English beating New Zealand, India and South Africa so far in the longest format of the game.
Brendon McCullum climbs the fence to leave the fans shocked –
There were very fans who were witnessing the final test match at Karachi between England and Pakistan. The fans in attendance wanted a shirt and the English coach responded by throwing it towards the fans.
The shirt though got tangled and stuck on the fence. The fans trying their best to get to the treasured gift from the English coach. Seeing the shirt get stuck on the fence, McCullum climbed the fence himself and did the needful before throwing the shirt into the crowd much to the joy of the fans.
Did you think there’s anything Brendon McCullum can’t do?
— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) December 19, 2022
We had a shirt mishap trying to throw it over a fence…
BAZ TO THE RESCUE 🦸‍♂️#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/vxKDOOikwx
Azhar Ali falls for a duck in his last test innings –
England took a lead of 50 as Pakistan ended day 2 at 21 for no loss still 33 runs behind with ten wickets in hand. Jack Leach began the 3rd day with the wickets of Shan Masood for 24 in the 15th over. The fall of Masood saw former Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali walk to the wicket for the final time.
Ali played 3 balls as his family had gathered to watch the proceedings. The 4th ball he was bowled by Leach for a duck to leave the 37 year old stunned. Ali, was given a respectful guard of honor as he walked off the field for the final time in test cricket.
Rehan Ahmed stuns the hosts with a fifer –
Jack Leach struck again when he had Abdullah Shafique out LBW for 26 to leave the home team at 54/3. That’s when Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel joined forces to add 110 runs for the 4th wicket. Azam scored 54 before a long hop from Rehan Ahmed was caught by Ollie Pope.
The 18 year old then got the wicket of Rizwan for 7 caught behind, as he soon got the wicket of Shakeel for 53 caught by Leach. It was Joe Root who got the 7th wicket of Ashraf for 1 before Mark Wood got the wicket of Nauman Ali for 15 to break the 30 run stand. Rehan Ahmed got his 4th wicket when he got Wasim caught by Robinson for 2 before claiming wicket number 5 of Agha Salman for 21 caught by Harry Brook.
England lose two in their chase of 167 –
Visitors had to play out 22 overs in a bid to score 167 and finish the game on the 3rd day. Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley began the assault as they added 87 for the 1st wicket in just 11.3 overs. Crawley was out LBW to Abrar Ahmed for run a ball 41, as Rehan Ahmed sent in at 3 scored 10 off 8 balls with 2 fours before getting bowled by Abrar Ahmed. At stumps England had Duckett not out on 50 along with captain Stokes on 10.