England's Second Innings Collapse Sets Up Crucial Day for Pakistan in Multan Test

A dramatic collapse by England on the second day of the second Test match in Multan has handed Pakistan a crucial advantage, thanks in part to a stunning four-wicket haul by spinner Sajid Khan. The match, already on a knife-edge after yesterday's thrilling start to the English first innings, has taken a dramatic turn with England slumping to 239-6 at the close of play.

This collapse, which saw four wickets fall in 14 runs, was triggered by the dismissal of centurion Ben Duckett, who was stumped off Sajid Khan for 114. Khan, the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, took four wickets for 86 runs, with Noman Ali taking two scalps. England's Joe Root fell to a bowled catches off an inside edge while sweeping, while Harry Brook was bowled off a sharp, turning delivery.

The collapse has given Pakistan the chance to level the series, with a strong performance in the first innings crucial to their chances of success. The hosts will look to capitalize on the England batsmen's vulnerability, particularly in the morning session, when the pitch is expected to offer more turn and bounce.

Ben Duckett, England's star batsman, has responded to the collapse by suggesting that Pakistan could "crumble" under pressure in their second innings. He pointed to the champions' habit of imploding in the third innings, citing their previous string of poor performances. However, Pakistan's spinners, led by the newly callmed-up Sajid Khan, are unfazed by Duckett's words, having adjusted their approach to create turn in the wicket. The triumph over England in the first test match and Ghulam's century on debut has printed hopes in the Pakistani camp of turning the affairs around in the series.

The second Test match is poised on a knife-edge, and tomorrow's play could be just as thrilling. Will Pakistan be able to maintain the momentum and cash in on England's frailties, or will the visitors mount a miraculous comeback? The match is watched worldwide with huge interest, the arranging balance in the series hangs starkly uncertain for at least one more day before an end can be made to this thrilling match narrative.