'Difficult, not impossible': Pakistan's Mohammad Ali still hopeful of winning Lord's Test despite England's 357-run lead

Pakistan pacer Mohammad Ali is hoping against hope as the visitors are far behind the eight ball in the Lord’s Test. Despite an early Stumps due to rain on Day 3, England recorded a 357-run lead. Heading into Day 4, they still have three wickets in hand with a well-set Dan Lawrence unbeaten on 50. But, Mohammad Ali believes that Pakistan are not out of the game even though they have a daunting task ahead of them.

"Miracles do happen in cricket. We can only hope at this time and try and encourage the batting group," Ali said after Day 3’s play. 

"It'll be a difficult task but not impossible. Until the last ball is bowled in cricket, you can't make predictions. 

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“The Test still has ways to run. 350-400 has been chased in the past, too. It's all about mindset and belief. Conditions are tough, but we'll have to face that challenge and find a way out to get runs."

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On Day 4, Pakistan bowlers have their work cut out. They would be looking to bowl out England early and limit the target under 400. Mohammad Ali believes that Pakistan bowlers bowled well in the second innings than the first.

Record-breaking effort needed by visitors

It's easier said than done. The target is already a big one for Pakistan. Even if England are bowled out without adding a run to their score, it will take a record-breaking effort from the visitors to get even close to the target. 

Pakistan's highest fourth innings score against England is 328. On England soil, their highest fourth innings score is 234 all out in at Old Trafford, Manchester, in 2016. 

Pakistan's highest successful run chase against England in Tests is 148/6 at Kennington Oval in August 2010.

What is Pakistan’s highest successful Test run chase?

Overall, Pakistan's highest fourth innings score is 450 which came against Australia in a losing cause in 2016. Their highest successful run chase in Tests is 382/3 against Sri Lanka in 2015.

What is the highest successful run chase on England soil and Lord’s?

The highest fourth innings score at The Lord's is 406 by Australia in a losing cause in 2009.

The highest successful run chase on England soil is 404/3 by Australia at Headingley Leeds, in 1948. The highest successful run chase at Lord's is 344/1 by West Indies in 1984.