Pakistan are close to breaking their losing streak in the home Test as they tightened their grip on Day 4 of the second Test against England in the three-match series.

In the opening session of England’s second innings, spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali dismantled the visitors’ top and middle order. Chasing 297 for victory, England faltered, losing seven wickets for 125 runs as Sajid and Noman exploited the spinning conditions.

With Pakistan eyeing their first home Test win in almost three years, the hosts appear to be firmly in control and moving closer to ending their winless drought.

Noman Ali was the favorite among the bowlers who took five wickets.

Sajid has already taken two wickets, dismissing Ben Duckett for a duck in the very first over and later claiming Ollie Pope for 21.

England’s top order crumbled in their chase of 297, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Ben Duckett for 1, Zak Crawley on 11, Ollie Pope on 37, Joe Root on 55, Harry Brook on 78, Jamie Smith on 89 and Ben Stokes on 125.

Day 3 Summary

Sajid was a standout player in England’s first innings with figures of 7 for 111, struck in the very first over of the chase.

Duckett, who had been England’s main man in the first innings, was caught attempting a sweep, throwing the ball straight up. Zak Crawley followed shortly afterwards, hampered by a sharp delivery from Noman, to leave England at 11 for 2.

Sajid then dealt another blow by dismissing Ollie Pope, reducing England to 37 for 3.

England still need 250 runs to win with captain Ben Stokes, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and the lower order yet to bat.

Pakistan, meanwhile, are eyeing their first home win since 2021 with Sajid playing a crucial role in both innings.

Earlier, Pakistan scored 366 in their first innings, with contributions from Salman Agha (63) and lower-order runs from Sajid himself. England managed 291 in response, largely thanks to Duckett’s 114, before Sajid’s magic with the ball.

The turning point for Pakistan came on Day 3 when Sajid’s seven wickets helped secure a 75-run lead for the hosts.

He was supported by Noman Ali, who also played a key role in this innings with two wickets, keeping the English top order under constant pressure.

As Multan’s pitch continues to support the spin, Pakistan are in a prime position to wrap up the match and end a winless streak at home dating back to 2021.

England’s hopes now rest on their middle order, but spin-friendly conditions and Pakistan’s ruthless bowling will make it an uphill battle in the coming sessions.