LONDON: Pacer Sohail Khan dismissed Gary Ballance as England faltered to 144 for 5, trailing Pakistan by 70 runs on the fourth day of the final Test at The Oval.
Sohail Khan had Ballance caught behind for 17, as Pakistan inched closer to a historic win at The Oval on the nation’s Independence Day.
Yesterday Younis Khan’s masterful double ton and three key wickets by Yasir Shah left England hanging by a thread on the third day of the final Test at The Oval.
England trailed Pakistan by 126 runs with four men down at the close of the day, after Younis’ 218 put Pakistan in the driving seat with 542 runs in response to England’s first innings total of 328.
Former Pakistan Test captain Ramiz Raja told Geo News that Pakistan were in a dominant position, with little chances of England coming back into the game.
“We’re here because of our batting. Our bowlers have an easy job now,” he said.
Ramiz said that the combination of Wahab Riaz and Yasir Shah would prove positive for the Pakistan side.
Leg spinner Yasir Shah further strengthened Pakistan’s grip on the match when he dismissed three key England batsmen in the closing hours of the day’s play. Shah dismissed Alex Hales at 12, Joe Root at 39, and James Vince for a duck, putting his team in clear sight of victory.
Fast bowler Wahab Riaz struck earlier to dismiss skipper Alastair Cook for just 7 runs.
England were 88 for 4 at stumps with Gary Ballance at 4 runs not out and Jonny Bairstow at 14 runs not out.
38-year-old Younis made a spectacular comeback earlier with his double century, sending a clear message out to critics that he was in-form again and here to stay.
Pakistan are edging closer to what would be one of the most memorable wins to draw a Test series in England.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/111354-England-lose-Ballance-as-Pakistan-eye-victoryon-Independence-Day
