England batters’ Bazball approach could not find its way past veteran Pakistan spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan. England lost the third Test by nine wickets and the Test series as well. As Pakistan ended their first Test series at home in three years, they moved up in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final race.
Ben Stokes’ England are all but out of the WTC final race. They remained in the sixth place with 40.790 win percentage. They have lost nine out of 19 Tests played during the current cycle. Even if they win the Test series against New Zealand, they can't make it to the final. Pakistan who were in eighth place moved to seventh after their fourth win from 10 Tests. They have a win percentage of 33.330.
The top spot belongs to India followed by Australia, Sri Lanka, South Africa and New Zealand. Bangladesh and West Indies are placed eighth and ninth place on the table.
Spinners and Shakeel lead Pakistan to victory
Sajid Khan won 'Player of the match' for bagging 10 wickets and contributed with an unbeaten run-a-ball 48. In the first innings, England were bowled out for 267 despite wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith for 89. In reply, Saud Shakeel scored a century. Noman and Sajid's crucial knocks helped Pakistan post 344 on the board and take a 77-run lead.
In their second innings, England suffered a batting collapse and were bowled out for 112. Noman claimed six wickets for 42 runs whereas Sajid got four. Interestingly, not a single over was bowled by a Pakistan pacer in the match.
What India need to do to qualify for WTC final
Meanwhile, New Zealand have set a target of 359 for India. India have not lost a Test series at home since 2012. Also, if New Zealand win, it will be their first ever series win in India. If India are to confirm their spot in the third consecutive WTC points table, they need to register at least four wins and a draw in their remaining matches.
