The third and final Test between Pakistan and England is set to take place on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Both teams are heading into the series decider with one win each—England dominated the first Test with a victory by an innings and 47 runs, while Pakistan bounced back impressively in the second Test, securing a commanding 152-run win. With the series tied 1-1, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion in Rawalpindi, where both teams will be eager to claim the series win.
Teams Overview
Pakistan, under the leadership of Shan Masood, showed tremendous resilience in the second Test after a heavy defeat in the first. Their batters, led by Shan and Saud Shakeel, stood firm while the bowlers, particularly the spinners, came into their own. With the series at the current level, Pakistan will aim to carry its winning momentum into Rawalpindi.
England, captained by Ben Stokes, started the series dominantly but faltered in the second Test. The “Bazball” approach that worked wonders in the first match was countered well by Pakistan’s bowlers in the second, exposing some vulnerabilities in their lineup. However, England has proven time and again that they can bounce back quickly, and they’ll be eager to finish the series on a high note.
Key Players to Watch
Pakistan
Sajid Khan
Noman Ali
Saim Ayub
Kamran Ghulam
England
Joe Root
Ben Stokes
Ben Duckett
Ollie Pope
Head-to-Head in Test Cricket
England: 30
Pakistan: 22
Drawn: 39
Pitch Report – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
The pitch at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is known to offer plenty of runs in the early stages of the match, with pace and bounce assisting the fast bowlers on the first two days. However, as the game progresses, the surface tends to slow down, making it more challenging for batters. Spin could come into play as the pitch deteriorates, especially on Day 4 and 5, with some uneven bounce and turn expected.
For batters, the first innings will be crucial, as the pitch is likely to be at its best. Fast bowlers, particularly those who can exploit reverse swing, will be effective later in the match. Spinners, too, will play a key role as the game progresses.
Probable Playing XI
Pakistan
Abdullah Shafique
Saim Ayub
Kamran Ghulam
Saud Shakeel
Muhammad Rizwan (wk)
Salman Ali Agha
Sajid Khan
Zahid Mehmood
Noman Ali
Abrar Ahmed
Shan Masood
England
Zak Crawley
Ben Duckett
Ollie Pope
Joe Root
Harry Brook
Ben Stokes (captain)
Jamie Smith
Gus Atkinson
Rehan Ahmed
Jack Leach
Shoaib Bashir
Live Streaming:
India: No TV channel will broadcast this series
Pakistan: ASports, Ten Sports and Tamasha TV (App)
Match details:
The first Test of a three-match Test series between Pakistan and England will be played on October 24 at Pindi Cricket Stadium. The match will start at 10:30 am (PST), 11:00 (IST) and 5:30 am (GMT)
Match Predictions and Possible Scenarios
With the series tied, both teams will be under immense pressure heading into the third Test. The pitch at Rawalpindi is expected to provide a balanced contest between bat and ball, which means the team that adapts best to the conditions will have the upper hand.
For Pakistan, the key to success will be top-order batting. If Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique can see off England’s new-ball attack and Babar Azam can anchor the innings, Pakistan will be in a strong position. In the bowling department, the combination of Shaheen Afridi’s pace and Abrar Ahmed’s spin will be crucial in breaking through England’s batting lineup.
For England, much will depend on how well Joe Root and Ben Stokes can handle Pakistan’s spinners. Root’s ability to play long innings will be critical, while Stokes’ aggressive approach could turn the game in England’s favour. England’s bowlers, led by James Anderson and Mark Wood, will need to take early wickets and restrict Pakistan’s scoring, especially during the first innings.
