On the second day of the third Test between Pakistan and England in Rawalpindi, England’s leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed made a notable impact, putting his team in control by reducing Pakistan to 187-7. Returning to international cricket for the first time since February, Ahmed took three crucial wickets on a dry and unpredictable pitch, placing Pakistan in a difficult position and giving England a firm grip on the game. The series stands at 1-1, making this Test match a decider and raising the stakes for both teams.

Rehan Ahmed Leads England’s Charge vs. Pakistan

The pitch has become a talking point in the series, as ground staff used industrial fans and heaters to dry it out, aiming to counter England’s fast-scoring approach. However, the surface has instead played in favor of the bowlers, especially the spinners, with variable bounce and inconsistent pace challenging even the most technically sound batters. By lunchtime on Day 2, 17 wickets had already fallen across the two days of play, making this a contest defined by attrition and caution, with every run proving valuable.

Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel provided some resistance for his side, remaining unbeaten at 72 off 132 balls. His patience and grit helped hold Pakistan’s innings together amid a string of dismissals around him. Shakeel’s steady approach brought stability as wickets continued to fall, but he was left without much support from the other end. The morning session highlighted the unpredictability of the pitch and the skill required from batters to survive against spin in these conditions. Shakeel’s endurance was a testament to his adaptability, though Pakistan struggled to build partnerships as England’s bowlers applied consistent pressure.

Rehan Ahmed Leads England’s Charge vs. Pakistan

The day began with Pakistan resuming at 73-3. Captain Shan Masood and Shakeel attempted to stabilize the innings, stretching their partnership to 53 runs. Masood, however, fell for 26 runs off 70 balls, a cautious approach that ultimately led to his dismissal. His defensive strategy was commendable under the circumstances but ultimately proved insufficient against England’s sharp fielding and spin attack. Masood’s cautious innings came to an end when he edged a ball from Shoaib Bashir, and Ollie Pope took a sharp catch in close-in second slip.

Despite his success, England’s fielding had a brief setback early in the session when Jamie Smith dropped a low catch off Shakeel, which would have dismissed him for 26. Nonetheless, England quickly regained control, as Rehan Ahmed’s spin caused problems for Pakistan’s middle order. Ahmed’s variations, including a well-disguised googly, led to a series of wickets that dismantled Pakistan’s lineup. Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha both lost their wickets to Ahmed, each unsuccessfully using Pakistan’s remaining television referrals in an attempt to overturn lbw decisions. Ahmed’s consistency in keeping Pakistan’s batters guessing was key to England’s dominance throughout the session.

Ahmed’s contributions were backed by England’s captain, Ben Stokes, who utilized his bowlers strategically. Stokes set aggressive field placements to maximize the impact of England’s spinners and control Pakistan’s run rate. Ahmed eventually dismissed Aamer Jamal, who chopped a googly onto his stumps after scoring 14 runs. Ahmed’s clever use of spin was evident in his figures of 3-25 by lunch, and his return to the international stage has highlighted the advantage of a versatile spin attack in challenging conditions like these.

Rehan Ahmed Leads England’s Charge vs. Pakistan

England’s advantage in this Test match is partially due to the groundwork laid by their batsmen on Day 1, where they managed to post a total of 267. This innings was anchored by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, who scored a gritty 89 runs despite Pakistan’s off-spinner Sajid Khan’s six-wicket haul. Smith’s efforts were crucial for England, as his knock ensured they posted a competitive score. Sajid Khan’s performance underlined the effectiveness of spin in this series, as he tore through England’s lineup with precision, giving Pakistan a fighting chance. But Smith’s innings held England together, keeping them in contention and adding pressure on Pakistan’s batters from the outset.

As the match progresses, the pitch continues to deteriorate, showing more signs of wear and tear with variable bounce that makes life difficult for the batters. The contest is increasingly becoming a battle between spinners and batsmen, with each team’s spin attack exploiting the conditions. England’s decision to play three specialist spinners is paying off, as they have repeatedly troubled Pakistan’s batsmen on this unpredictable surface.

The stakes are high for both teams in this decider match, as Pakistan leveled the series 1-1 with a convincing 152-run victory in the second Test at Multan. This win came after England claimed a memorable innings victory in the first Test. A win here in Rawalpindi would secure the series for either team, making each session critical and every run vital. The pressure is now on Pakistan’s lower order to support Shakeel, as their hopes of reaching a competitive total rest on the remaining batsmen’s ability to withstand England’s relentless spin attack.

For England, Rehan Ahmed’s performance has justified his selection, as his tactical bowling and control have placed his team in a strong position. His ability to adapt to the conditions and exploit the pitch’s inconsistencies with varied spin has been instrumental in keeping Pakistan on the defensive. Ahmed’s success, along with that of his fellow spinners, reflects the careful planning and execution by England, who are aiming to secure a series victory in subcontinental conditions that favor their spin attack.

The game’s outcome remains uncertain, with Pakistan still hoping for a late-order resurgence to set a challenging target for England. With each passing session, the role of spinners grows more significant as the pitch deteriorates further, promising an intense contest as both teams push for a decisive edge.

In this gripping third Test, the spinners are likely to continue dominating the proceedings, with every ball holding the potential to change the game’s trajectory. Both teams will look to capitalize on their spinners’ strengths, and the ultimate success may hinge on which side can adapt better to the demanding conditions. As the Test unfolds, fans can expect an enthralling battle on a pitch that keeps everyone on their toes, with England holding the upper hand for now.