-Seal series 2-0
-Controversial catch of Saud sparks debate
OUR SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
MULTAN: England beat Pakistan by 26 runs in the second test in Multan on Monday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing 355 for victory, Pakistan were all out for 328 in the second session on day four of the contest.
Saud Shakeel topscored for Pakistan with a valiant 94, while Imam-ul-Haq made 60. Mark Wood was pick of the England bowlers, claiming 4-65 as England registered their first series win in Pakistan since 2000-01.
England will conclude their first test tour of Pakistan since 2005 with the third and final match beginning in Karachi on Saturday. Speaking after the match, Pakistan captain Babar Azam said, “To be honest, we were not up to the mark in the first innings.”
“There were a couple of soft dismissals and in the second innings we fought well but could not finish.” He said that this Test will be memorable for Abrar Ahmed. “He used conditions very well in the first innings and after that, he bowled well.”
The skipper expressed hope to perform well in Karachi. “We had a simple plan to carry on the momentum, we had good partnerships between Imam and Saud and then Saud and Nawaz. The tail also fought well, but we didn’t finish well.
On the other hand, English captain Ben Stokes appreciated the mystery bowler, saying he bowled fantastically. “Things happened quickly this week compared to last week,” England captain Ben Stokes said, referring to their victory in the opener in Rawalpindi.
“Going down to the wire again, (it’s a) good game to be a part of.” “It was a tricky wicket for slower bowling. We were fortunate that with the cracks opening up our seamers became effective.” Harry Brook was adjudged player of the match for scoring the only hundred of the low-scoring match.
Questions have been raised over England wicketkeeper Ollie Pope’s catch of Pakistani batter Saud Shakeel during the fourth day of the second Test against England in Multan.
Shakeel, who was batting at 94, was given out in a decision termed controversial by several cricketers including Pakistan skipper Babar Azam.
Shakeel played England’s Mark Wood’s ball that went behind the wickets and was caught by Pope. The bowler, wicket-keeper, and other players appealed for a caught behind after which Aleem Dar sought the third umpire’s input on the matter.
After thoroughly reviewing the catch, the third umpire declared Shakeel as out. The decision triggered a hated debate on social media, with people calling it “doubtful”.
