Cricket Update: Pakistan Vs England, Edgbaston- Fourth day ended with Pakistan on 291/9, England innings at 251
A magnificent fight back led by debutant wicket-keeper Zulqarnain Haider and valuable contribution from Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Amir and an unbroken last wicket stand, has brought Pakistan back in the second test of the four match series against England.
With the top order blown away once again, the Pakistan tail wagged brilliantly refusing to give away easily and taking the fight back to the opposition, traits that Pakistan teams of recent years have lacked totally.
The visitors were down and out when Aamer joined hands with Zulqarnain with Pakistan tottering at 101/6.
The two added 52 runs for the seventh wicket to frustrate the hosts, the partnership was painstakingly slow at times but the duo knew what they were doing, as they attempted to repair the damage, they batted for 36 overs taking their team within 28 runs of the English lead.
Aamer was dismissed by Stuart Broad at this juncture edging the ball to English captain Andrew Strauss for 16 runs compiled of all of 117 balls.
He frustrated the opposition no end playing with a dead bat, and leaving balls outside the off stump, as the bowlers toiled endlessly, Aamer also played Andrew Strauss with great deal of comfort looking unperturbed with the flight and vicious spin extracted by the off-spinner.
After his demise, Zulqarnain Haider was joined by Saeed Ajmal, and the off spinner provided stoic supporter to the debutant.
Ajmal, who claimed five wickets in England’s first innings, was hit time and again by the bowlers who aimed at his rib cage, yet the right hander was a man possessed and determined to the core.
His defiance was a treat to watch for millions of Pakistani fans who at that juncture felt how different it would have been if the rest of the batsmen had valued their wicket the way, he did.
Ajmal is the second Pakistani tail-ender to score a half century in the series after fast bowler Umar Gul top scored with 65 runs in the first innings in the opening test of the series at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.
The off spinner struck some delightful boundaries especially through the on side, yet was dismissed with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755’s lead 88 runs and his personal score at 50.
Ajmal became the fifth victim of English spinner Graeme Swann, who performed outstandingly in on the third day claiming six wickets in all conceding only 60 runs in 36 overs.
Swann’ sixth victim was Zulqarnain Haider, who fell for 88 off 200 balls, the 24 year old was solid as a rock holding up one end with an extremely determined effort that was beyond his years.
He was lucky to survive the a kings pair when after being given out lbw on the first ball that he played, he got the decision reversed after having it reviewed by the third umpire.
From there on, he capitalised on every opportunity of scoring runs, taking full advantage of some loose bowling as he approached his half century.
The landmark came and he duly celebrated with his hands aloft, after reaching the half century mark, he struck some delightful boundaries both on front and back foot tackling the spin c*m pace attack with great deal of confidence.
He was however unlucky not to reach his ton, as his attempted lofted drive landed in the hands of Andrew Strauss at mid-off. The last wicket pair of Mohammad Asif and Umar Gul than took Pakistan’s lead beyond the 100 run mark.
The fourth day ended with Pakistan on 291/9 in their second innings leading England by 112 runs, they would be hoping that the Gul and Asif add 30-40 runs more to give them an outside chance of pulling off an improbable win and square the four match series 1-1.
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