Pakistan v England 2nd Test review: Pakistan overcome Rashid's rearguard to go 1-0

Pakistan v England 2nd Test review: Pakistan overcome Rashid’s rearguard to go 1-0: Two dramatic last days in the two Test matches. One witnessed a spectacular collapse from a strong Pakistan batting line up and the other (today), an unexpected and inspired fightback from the English tailenders. The only difference being there was no bad light which came to England’s rescue as Pakistan eventually won the Dubai Test by 178 runs in a tense finish with just 6.3 overs remaining.

Nobody, not even ardent English supporters would have imagined that the tourists will take the match into the final session after they lost 3 wickets in the morning. And with the Pakistani spinners wrecking havoc and a dusty 5^th day track, the result seemed a matter of ‘when’ and not ‘if’.

Adil Rashid though had different ideas. But even the longest 9th wicket stand in the 4^th innings of a Test (55) with Mark Wood was not enough, though it was sufficient to prove his temperament and undeterred grit. Wood played close to 100 deliveries but departed at a crucial juncture in the final moments of the game. One has got to feel for Adil Rashid. He might not have been the top scorer, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Test is remembered for his fantastic resistance on a wearing last day pitch.

Pakistan were expected to wrap up the affair without much fuss as England were short of valuable experience with skipper Alastair Cook and Ian Bell already back in the hut. The huge lead meant that Misbah could employ as many close in fielders as he wished and the task was huge for the visitors.

The hosts took giant steps towards their expected win in the first session only, taking three important wickets. Zulfiqar Babar and Yasir Shah showed their skill on a challenging final day surface for the English batters. Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler all succumbed by the interval and, although Ben Stokes battled against his natural instincts to reach 9 from 57 balls, it was a draining learning experience as he survived by the skin of his teeth in what for him were literally alien conditions. England on 187 for 6 at lunch added only 57 runs in the session as the pressure from Pakistan’s spinners was unrelenting.

As the proceedings began in the morning Misbah employed the pace and spin combo. Any English hopes of survival rested with the fortunes of Joe Root and he came out solidly stonewalling the hosts for around 45 minutes along with Bairstow. But his determination was put to an end by some classic turn and bounce. One from Babar whizzed away kicking up a puff of dust, took the outside edge and went safely into the hands of Younis Khan at first slip. After the big wicket, his partner Bairstow who had played with grit for his 86-ball 22 misread a googly from Yasir and was castled. Buttler though didn’t do much wrong and just reacted to a classic spinning delivery from the leggie.

Neither the use of feet nor the sweep shot were employed by the English to put some pressure back on Pakistan. Hanging on and trying to defend against quality tweakers is never a wise strategy. Misbah went for the new ball in the afternoon session and the move paid dividends. Imran Khan had Stokes poking out and edging to second slip. England were tottering now.

This is when the fightback started. Broad and Rashid put up a gritty 60-run partnership to shift the momentum somewhat. Misbah turned to his strike bowler Wahab once again and he stunned Broad with an inswinging yorker that crashed his stumps. Pakistan needed just two wickets as the final session began. But inevitably drama was on the cards. Some dropped catches, close appeals and lack of reviews meant Pakistan had to fight. Adil Rashid was playing the knock of a lifetime in only his second Test.

As the day weared on, Pakistan were becoming desperate for wickets. Many a half-appeals were turned down resulting in dejected, angry faces from the fielders. Wood and Rashid played out more than 150 deliveries as the game was getting tense. But when Wood departed England’s last pair was left with 11 overs to salvage a draw. When Shafiq dropped Anderson at short leg it looked England’s day.

But Yasir Shah came back after a break to give rest to his tired and retorting fingers. And he delivered immediately. The leggie floated one up nicely outside off and enticed Rashid into a false drive. It went straight to cover and ended a 172-ball vigil that had frustrated Pakistan.

It was a tame end to a brilliant rearguard effort, but Rashid can take pride in the way he played. And you can’t take your eyes off Pakistan. They manage to turn foregone conclusions into humdingers and almost always never fail to excite. Having said that, they deserve the victory having been the better side for 5 days. England have a lot to address, the most crucial, being getting a big total in the first innings.

Once the visitors were dismissed for 242 it was always going to be an uphill task. Just compare it to the first Test where they even eclipsed Pakistan’s 500 plus total and came within touching distance of a memorable win. As things stand, they are 1-0 down and a regrouping effort might demand some sacrifices. Jos Buttler has had 7 Tests now without a substantial score. Bairstow could keep wickets to accommodate another spinner in the side. Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali need be patient. Pakistani batsmen are not going to gift their wickets every time like the last innings of the Abu Dhabi Test.

Overview of the day:

Pakistan needed just 4 wickets to wrap up the match when they headed into the lunch break. But they hit a roadblock with Rashid taking control. What an innings from the leg-spinner, or shall we say an all-rounder. It should not be forgotten in Pakistan’s inspired win. The hosts though had enough in the tank to force a close victory.

Brief Scores

1^st innings:

Pakistan – 378/10 (Misbah 102; Wood 3-39)

England – 242/10 (Root 88; Riaz 4-66)

2^nd innings

Pakistan – 354/6 dec (Younis 118; Anderson 2-22)

England – 312/10 (137.3 ov)  (Root 71; Shah 4-87)

Pakistan won by 178 runs and lead the series 1-0 with one game to play

Man of the Match – Wahab Riaz