England Gains Upper Hand on Day 1 of Decisive Test in Rawalpindi

England took control on the first day of the third and final Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, reaching a total of 267, largely thanks to Jamie Smith’s determined 89 and a flurry of late wickets. After Pakistan’s top order wobbled to 73-3, England looked poised to secure back-to-back series victories in Pakistan.

On a pitch dried with large fans and heaters, Pakistan’s strategy appeared sound as England struggled after winning the toss. Ben Duckett’s steady 52 stood out as England slipped from 56-0 to 118-6 until Smith stepped in, forging a crucial 105-run partnership with Gus Atkinson, who contributed 39. Smith powered ahead after his fifty, smashing six sixes before an over-eager attempt at a seventh led to his dismissal just before tea.

The evening session saw England bowled out, with off-spinner Sajid Khan taking 6-128, adding to his impressive nine-wicket haul from Pakistan's previous win. Pakistan relied solely on spin for 68.2 overs, marking the longest-ever first innings in Test history without any seamers. Despite England’s efforts, the score seemed moderate until Shoaib Bashir, Jack Leach, and Atkinson each claimed a wicket, leaving Pakistan trailing by 194 runs.