As with the previous two matches in the series, the third Test concluded in a draw. However, this was no ordinary stalemate; it was a contest shaped as much by external disruptions as by the cricket itself. The game was marred by incidents of rioting and repeated invasions of the field by spectators, which led to a loss of over a hundred minutes of play. The situation reached an anticlimactic end when a dust storm descended upon the ground, forcing an early abandonment with forty-five minutes still remaining. Yet, despite these interruptions, the match contained moments of tension and intrigue, and for a brief period on the final day, an outright result—this time in England’s favour—seemed a genuine possibility.
However, the pitch once again played the role of equalizer. A dry, grassless surface, it proved a sanctuary for defensive batting, negating pace and turn while reducing stroke-play to an act of perseverance rather than skill. This lack of responsiveness ensured that batsmen occupied the crease for long periods, but seldom in a manner that truly excited the spectators. It was a match where resilience mattered more than flamboyance, and the numbers reflected as much. Strangely, three players who had reached centuries in the previous two Tests—Majid Khan, Mushtaq Mohammad, and Dennis Amiss—each fell agonizingly short of the milestone this time, dismissed on 99.
Pakistan’s Gritty First Innings
Winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan looked to build a solid foundation. The early departure of opener Talat Ali brought together Majid Khan and Sadiq Mohammad, who constructed a vital partnership. Their stand of 97 for the second wicket was marked by patience rather than domination, as both batsmen focused on occupying the crease rather than imposing themselves on the English bowlers. When Majid was eventually dismissed, Pakistan found themselves in a comfortable position at 297 for three, thanks in part to Mushtaq Mohammad’s determined presence at the crease.
Having already spent extensive time batting against England in this series, Mushtaq continued to showcase his defensive prowess. His innings, which stretched across multiple sessions, added to an extraordinary tally of thirteen hours at the crease across two Tests—an epitome of his ability to grind out runs in unhelpful conditions. His partnership with Majid yielded 121 runs, further cementing Pakistan’s control.
Yet, while the innings was built on patience, the real spark came from Intikhab Alam. His quickfire 61 provided a rare burst of enterprise in an environment where run-scoring required immense effort. The lower middle order did just enough to push Pakistan’s total to a commanding 445 for six before the declaration was made.
England’s Response: Stability Amid Uncertainty
England’s approach to the innings was one of measured caution. Knowing that too great a deficit would leave them vulnerable on a wearing pitch, they needed a steady response. Their top order delivered, with a crucial second-wicket partnership of 130 between Amiss and Keith Fletcher. Amiss, in particular, appeared well-set for another century, only to suffer the heartbreak of falling one run short of the landmark.
The Pakistani spinners, Mushtaq and Intikhab, posed challenges, but strangely, their combined threat was not utilized efficiently. For reasons unknown, Captain Majid Khan did not deploy them in tandem until late on the fourth day. By then, England had consolidated their position, with Tony Greig playing yet another dependable innings, contributing 48, while captain Mike Denness added a valuable 88. Once the spinners were finally brought together, they made swift inroads, taking the final four wickets in thirty minutes.
Pakistan’s Collapse and England’s Hopes
As the final day dawned, Pakistan, with a first-innings lead, theoretically held the advantage. But any sense of control quickly evaporated under the relentless pressure of England’s spinners. Norman Gifford, exploiting the conditions masterfully, bowled Talat Ali and Sadiq Mohammad early before dismissing Asif Iqbal with a sharp catch at extra cover. Meanwhile, Jack Birkenshaw struck gold, removing the pillars of Pakistan’s batting, Mushtaq Mohammad and Intikhab Alam, for ducks.
What had seemed a secure position only hours earlier turned into a nightmare. Pakistan collapsed dramatically, losing five wickets for just three runs, leaving them reeling at 108 for seven. With four and a half hours of play remaining, England suddenly found themselves in an unexpected position of dominance. A victory that had seemed improbable now appeared within reach.
A Match Without Resolution
But the sluggish pitch, which had dictated the nature of play throughout, once again ensured survival over spectacle. With every passing over, the urgency of the chase faded as Pakistan’s tailenders dug in, eking out precious time to deny England. Then came the final, fitting twist—the dust storm that swept across the ground, shrouding the contest in an eerie, premature end.
In many ways, the storm was symbolic of the match itself: an encounter punctuated by interruptions, external chaos, and unresolved tensions. The contest had its moments of intensity—a dramatic collapse, resilient partnerships, and glimpses of brilliance—but it was ultimately overshadowed by off-field disturbances and an unforgiving pitch that refused to yield a decisive outcome.
Thus, the series continued as it had begun, locked in a cycle of drawn matches, where neither side could quite assert dominance over the other. The cricket had been played, the struggles had unfolded, but in the end, the elements—both natural and human—had conspired to ensure that the match remained unfinished, a tale of what could have been rather than what was.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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