Birmingham, September 11, 2026: Half-centuries from Shan Masood and captain Babar Azam helped Pakistan close in on England’s massive first-innings lead at Tea on the third day of the third Test at Edgbaston on Friday.
Pakistan reached 297/5 at the break, trailing England by just 23 runs, with Saud Shakeel unbeaten on 29 and emerging wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghouri on six.
Pakistan added 113 runs in the second session, while England claimed two wickets as the match remained evenly poised.
Masood and Babar resumed Pakistan’s innings and extended their fourth-wicket partnership to 89 runs before Gus Atkinson dismissed Masood for 95, just five runs short of a century. The experienced left-hander faced 148 deliveries and struck 12 boundaries.
Babar then added 64 runs with Saud for the fifth wicket and brought up his 34th Test century, ending a long wait for a hundred in the longest format.
The Pakistan captain appeared set for a big score before Josh Tongue had him caught behind for 76 off 103 balls. His innings included 11 fours and a six.
Saud and Ghouri then adopted a cautious approach and added 19 runs for the sixth wicket before the umpires called Tea.
Earlier, Pakistan resumed the day at 52/2, with Masood and Azan Awais continuing their third-wicket partnership.
The pair extended their overnight stand to 125 runs, with both batters completing half-centuries before Dan Lawrence broke the partnership in the 31st over.
Azan was caught behind by Jordan Cox, who took over wicketkeeping duties after Jamie Smith suffered an injury late on the second day. Azan scored 59 from 84 deliveries, hitting 10 fours.
Babar joined Masood after Azan’s dismissal, and the experienced pair put together a 59-run partnership to maintain Pakistan’s momentum.
Ollie Robinson remained England’s leading bowler, having taken two wickets in the opening over of Pakistan’s second innings. Tongue, Atkinson and Lawrence have taken one wicket each.
