MANCHESTER: More than half of Pakistan’s line-up was back in the pavilion on Monday as the visitors were 168 for seven, needing a further 397 runs to reach their victory target of 565, during the post-tea session on the fourth day of the second Test against England at Old Trafford on Monday.
Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq was the last batsman to fall in the session after he put up a 71-ball long resistance. The 42-year-old scored 35 runs with two boundaries.
Earlier, England declared their second innings on 173 for one, with captain Alastair Cook 76 not out and Joe Root unbeaten on 71.
It was the second time this match that England had gorged themselves on Pakistan’s attack, with opener Cook making 105 and Root a Test-best 254 in England’s first-innings 589 for eight declared.
The second innings saw England’s two most experienced batsmen put on 105 in 85 balls for the second wicket, with the duo adding 75 runs in just nine overs on Monday before Cook declared.
Pakistan will now need to rewrite the record books if they are to achieve a remarkable win — the most any side have made in the fourth innings to win a Test is the West Indies’ 418 for seven against Australia at St John’s in May 2003.
There are a minimum of 185 overs left in this match.
Cook came under severe criticism on Sunday for not enforcing the follow-on on Pakistan team despite 391-run lead.
England’s assistant coach, Paul Farbrace, defended Cook’s decision by terming it as a move to make the most of the placid wicket.
In reply of hosts’ mammoth 589, Pakistan’s batting line-up crumbled at 198.
Pakistan lead the four-match series 1-0 after their 75-run win in the first Test at Lord’s.
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Mazher Arshad ✔ @MazherArshad
565 is the second biggest target Pakistan has been set in its Test history after 573 by West Indies in Bridgetown in 2005. #EngvPak
3:45 PM – 25 Jul 2016
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