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[Watch] Stokes Disappoints On Test Return As Abdullah Shafique's Diving Reflex Catch Stuns ENG

Ben Stokes departs [Source: @grassrootscric/X.com]Ben Stokes departs [Source: @grassrootscric/X.com]

What can happen worse than coming to bat after a long gap of 3 months and failing to make an impact on a pitch that is considered batting-friendly? Ben Stokes returned to the most extended format of the game with high hopes, but Noman Ali made sure he got the big fish in the second match between Pakistan and England in Multan.

The England captain Stokes came in to replace Ben Duckett, who had scored 114 runs before falling to Sajid Khan. Facing Pakistan’s pacer Noman Ali in the 45th over of England’s first innings, Stokes encountered a tricky delivery. Ali bowled from over the wicket, a flighted delivery around off-stump that turned sharply back in. Stokes pressed forward to defend but got an inside edge that brushed his front pad and popped up in the air. Abdullah Shafique at square leg made a full-length dive to his right, pulling off a brilliant catch.

Sajid Khan Puts England On Back Foot

Sajid Khan put England under pressure with a standout performance in the second Test. Pakistan set the tone with 366 runs in their first innings, driven by Kamran Ghulam’s impressive century and a resilient fifty from Saim Ayub. Sajid Khan then emerged as England’s toughest challenge, spinning his way through their lineup and keeping the visitors on the back foot. 

Sajid claimed two big wickets. First, he dismissed Joe Root—England’s premier batter—with a beautiful delivery that ended Joe Root’s innings at 34. Then, the spinner struck again in the same over, removing Harry Brook, who managed just 9 runs.