PAK vs ENG: Pakistan's top order falters as England take three key wickets before stumps

On Day 1 of the third Test, England post 267 in their first innings with Jamie Smith top-scoring at 89.

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On Day 1 of the third Test between Pakistan and England in Rawalpindi, England posted 267 in their first innings, with Jamie Smith top-scoring at 89.

Pakistan, in response, ended the day at 73/3 after 23 overs, trailing by 194 runs. England’s bowlers made early breakthroughs, with Shoaib Bashir and Gus Atkinson taking key wickets to put Pakistan on the back foot.

Pakistan lost three wickets scoring 73 runs while the latest wicket was of Kamran Ghulam who was bowled off a delivery by Gus Atkinson scoring just 3 runs off nine balls.

Captain Shan Masood and batter Saud Shakeel stood at the crease as the top order struggled to stabilise Pakistan's first innings.

Opener Saim Ayub was caught out off a delivery bowled by jack Leach scoring 19 off 36 deliveries while Abdullah Shafique lost his wicket to a delivery by Shoaib Bashir scoring 14 off 27 balls.

Sajid Khan took six wickets while Noman Ali claimed three wickets, while Zahid Mahmood contributed with one as Pakistan's spin attack dominated on the opening day at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Jamie Smith narrowly missed a century, scoring 91 runs off 119 balls before losing to Zahid Mahmood.

Gus Atkinson contributed 39 runs off 71 balls, but his dismissal marked a pivotal moment for Pakistan, as they broke a partnership that was beginning to solidify.

The Pakistani bowlers were in fine form, with Sajid Khan leading the charge by claiming four wickets. Noman Ali supported him well with three wickets, while Zahid Mahmood added one more to the tally.

Ollie Pope was dismissed LBW by Sajid Khan after a hesitant review. He scored 3 runs off 14 balls.

Joe Root and Ben Duckett were also dismissed LBW.

Ben Duckett scored 52 runs off 84 balls and Joe Root scored 5 runs off 6 balls

Zak Crawley was dismissed by spinner Noman Ali and caught by Saim Ayub. Crawley, faced 29 balls and scored 43 runs and hitting three boundaries.

The wicket fell in the 14th over of the innings, leaving England at 56 for one.

England won the toss and elected to bat first in the third and final Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on Thursday.

This is England's first toss win in eight Tests.

Pakistan are unchanged for the Rawalpindi decider, the visitors bring in Gus Atkinson and Rehan Ahmed.

Captain Ben Stokes, after choosing to bat, emphasized the team's goal of posting a substantial first-innings total to put pressure on the hosts. This match will decide the outcome with the series tied at 1-1.

Although disappointed not to bat first, Pakistan captain Shan Masood expressed confidence in his side's ability to take early wickets using spin and restrict England's batting lineup.

Pakistan's squad for the match includes Shan Masood (captain), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Zahid Mahmood.

England's squad comprises Ben Stokes (captain), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, and Shoaib Bashir.