Sajid Khan revives Pakistan's chances with a heroic spell on Day 2 of the second Pakistan vs England Test

At stumps on Day 2 of the second Pakistan vs England Test, the hosts seemed to have turned the tides into their favour. Though not as momentous as their batting in the opening innings of the first Test, Pakistan managed a fighting 366 in Multan on the used track. The team which fielded new faces replacing the aces like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Sham has performed impressively so far in the second Test. The first innings witnesses debutant Kamran Ghulam, the replacement for Babar in the team, scoring his maiden Test century. When it came to England's batting, Sajid Khan took the center stage late on Day 2.

Sajid Khan brings Pakistan back in the game on Day 2 of the second Pakistan vs England Test

Sajid Khan's late four-wicket heist on Day 2 in Multan swung the momentum back in Pakistan's favor, just as England seemed poised to take control of the match once again. Chasing Pakistan’s first-innings total of 366 on the wearing Multan track, England opener Ben Duckett took charge. The batter reached his fourth Test century in just 120 balls, forming three partnerships worth over 50 runs in his course. His precise sweep shots left Pakistan captain Shan Masood struggling for answers. But as England appeared comfortable in the evening session, Sajid's off-spin repeatedly disrupted their progress.

Sajid, extracting significant turn in the final session, made an immediate impact after Tea. In his very first over of a fresh spell, he bowled Ollie Pope as the batter attempted a drive. Sajid then broke another half-century partnership by dismissing Joe Root, the centurion from the previous contest. The spinner then claimed Harry Brook, mitigating most of the English threat. With England losing 4 wickets for just 14 runs, Sajid’s decisive spell turned the tide, reducing England from a commanding 211/2 to a vulnerable 225/5.

Before Sajid’s splendid spell, England had kept the day 2 in their clutch. Their day began well as they claimed three crucial wickets in the morning session. Mohammad Rizwan was the first to go, edging a short delivery from Brydon Carse. Agha Salman then took charge as he partnered seamlessly with Aamer Jamal to take Pakistan past the score of 300.

The partnership, however, ended when Matthew Potts claimed an edge from Salman, who was caught behind after drinks. Sajid Khan then fell to Jack Leach, England's top-performer in the first innings. Sajid's departure left Pakistan at eight down. Pakistan’s innings eventually wrapped up with Noman Ali caught in the deep, giving Leach his fourth wicket of the innings.

England's reply began with blistering speed, as they raced to 88 runs in just 17 overs by Tea. Pakistan’s lone success in the afternoon came with the dismissal of Zak Crawley, breaking a 73-run opening stand.  Ben Duckett and Joe Root settled in after that, but the course of the game dramatically shifted when Sajid stepped up, bringing Pakistan back to level terms after a difficult first six days of the series.