The Unpredictability of the Game

 

Despite having a 107 runs lead in the first innings of the Manchester test, Pakistan lost the match by 3 wickets.

 



In the first test of the England – Pakistan series, an unpredictable turnaround happened which one can only expect from the most unpredictable team in the world cricket. Pakistan lost the match by 3 wickets and on the fourth day of the match after being in a comfortable position.

Pakistan's cricket team made a solid start in the test. Pakistan played the match with only five batsmen and five bowlers. It was an out of the box thing for an Asian team to do in the first test in any foreign country, as they played with three fast guns and two leggies. Pakistan included Shadab Khan as a batting all-rounder on the cost of a proper number 6 batsman.

They batted well in the first innings and scored a total of 326 runs which was very good for any touring side in the UK. It was more than enough to put the English side under pressure. Shan Masood was the star with the bat for Pakistan in the first innings. He scored a composed 156 runs which included 20 boundaries and he made the English bowlers look flat. He was also well supported by Babar Azam and Shadab Khan.

 

Now the next task for the Pakistanis was to bowl out the hosts as quickly as possible and then take a good lead of 100 to 120 runs. The touring team’s bowlers were also capable to do so. Pakistan had a variety in their bowler, a swing bowler, a left-arm quick, a right-arm quick, and two good leg spinners. The Pakistani pack did their job and restrict the opposition to 219 runs. Now, the tourers had a 107 runs lead and they were also in the controlling position to win the Manchester test.

Day 3 was a mixed day for the Pakistan team. After bowling the host out for a reasonably low score, they were also rattled by the English bowlers. The day ended for the Pakistan cricket team at 137/8. They were awful with the bat in the second innings but hence, in the commanding situation in the match. Pakistanis had a 244 runs lead by the end of day’s play with two wickets still in hand.

The next day, England took the remaining two wickets in no time. The Pakistani innings ended on 169 runs. Now, England had to chase. They had a target of 277 runs and they had to face Pakistani bowlers comprising of 2 quality leggies on the Day 4 and Day 5 Manchester pitch. 




Chasing 277 runs in the 4 innings of a test match is an impossible task on any pitch around the world. England had to bat a minimum of 170 overs. Therefore, the draw was out of consideration. The most probable outcome from the Manchester test was Pakistan’s win.

The most unpredictable side in the world cricket showcased their unpredictable nature again. Till tea time, Pakistan was in control of the game. England were 167/5 at the tea of Day 4. Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler built a 50 run partnership till the break time. But, Pakistan still had 110 runs in the bank and knowing the fact that after this pair, the tail side could be like a castle of cards. If one wicket falls, it would bring down the rest.

Woakes and Buttler took England home in the Manchester test. They both scored half-centuries but it was not the reason for Pakistan’s loss.

 

The Pakistan team lost the match due to the inadequate and inexperienced captaincy of Azhar Ali. In cricket, it is said, “if you are in the commanding situation then you should seize the opportunity”. The Pakistan captain did quite the opposite of it. He let England built one partnership which cost him the game.

Now, England has in the lead in the series but Pakistan must have their hopes alive as the English Miracle Man – Ben Stokes in out of the remaining series and their highest wicket-taker in tests James Anderson seems fully off-color.

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