Saud Shakeel makes century as Pakistan trail by less than 20

RAWALPINDI: Saud Shakeel was a steadying force for Pakistan after they lost wickets in quick succession in the first session on Friday, making the fourth test century of his career.

Shakeel made a century off 181 deliveries, hitting four fours in the process. It was his fourth test century of his career, and his first against England. Earlier, he made his sixth test fifty against England, and his 8^th all time.

Noman Ali, who took three wickets in England’s first innings, was continuing to find success, but this time by putting on a great batting performance, making 36 runs off 65 deliverers, the second highest score for Pakistan after Shakeel. It was also Noman’s third highest innings score of his test career.

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He hit a single four and one six in the process. Together they made Pakistan’s largest partnership, making 88 runs off 151 deliveries. The previous two largest partnerships also involved Shakeel, making 51 runs and 53 runs with Rizwan and Masood respectively.

Shakeel and Noman provided some much needed stability in Pakistan’s innings, after Shaoib Bashir and Rehan Ahmed put on a fantastic spell on Rawalpindi’s spin friendly surface.

Skipper Shan Masood was dismissed earlier in the day in the 36th over, and was followed soon after by Mohammad Rizwan. Salman Aghan would also be dismissed in the 52nd over, and Aamer Jamal would be bowled in the 58^th.

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Pakistan currently stand at 251 for 7, trailing by 16 runs