Watch! Saud Shakeel is given out in controversial circumstances during the 2nd test

It was a tense 4th day at the Multan Cricket Stadium as England claimed an historic 26 run win. This gave England their first series win in Pakistan for 21 years, a feat last achieved by Naseer Hussain and his men in 2001.

Pakistan started the day still needing 157 runs with 6 wickets in hand. What happened during the course of the day will debated for a long time to come as the umpiring standards will be questioned.

The story so far –

England were bowled out for 276 in their second innings to give them an over all lead of 354. This set Pakistan, 355 to win who ended the 3rd day at 198/4 with Saud Shakeel and Faheem Ashraf at the crease. They began the 4th day’s play with an hope that they could chase down this score with more than 2 days left to play.

Huge setback for Pakistan as Saud Shakeel is given out under controversial circumstances –

The incident in question happened in the 94th over of the Pakistan innings as Mark Wood was bowling to Shakeel. The Englishman bowled one down the leg side to Shakeel, who went for a pull.

Ollie Pope the wicket dived to his right to pouch the catch and the English team went up for an appeal. Umpire Aleem Dar, was quick to go up to the 3rd umpire went up to Joel Wilson and the soft signal was out.

Confusion looms regarding the catch –

The moment the replays were played, there was a doubt if Pope had completed the catch fairly. Seeing the replays Joe Wilson remarked that “Looks like the gloves are under it, but I cant tell exactly”. This was enough to rule Shakeel out for 94, thus ending this 213 ball vigil with 8 fours.

Joe Root strikes early but Pakistan fight back –

Starting the day at 198/4, Joe Root picked his 50th test wicket when he had Faheem Ashraf caught for 10. Shakeel was joined by Mohammad Nawaz as the pair added 80 runs for the 6th wicket in 21 overs. The two batters were cautious and dropped the sheet anchor only to put the bad balls away.

England seamers swing the momentum and game their way –

Mark Wood came into attack and first got rid of Mohammad Nawaz for 45. He then got rid of Shakeel to the controversial catch. James Anderson then got rid of Abrar Ahmed for 17 as Zahid Mahmood lost his Stumps to Wood for a duck. The victory came when Mohammad Ali was caught behind off Robinson to spark massive celebrations as England now take a 2-0 unbeaten lead in the 3 match series.

Twitter reacts –

Cricket fans weren’t happy at the way Shakeel was given out and made their way to Twitter to voice their opinion and you can read all the tweets below. 

pic.twitter.com/BUGmRcY6zf

— MINI BUS 2022 (@minibus2022) December 12, 2022