Bad light ended England’s dramatic run chase on Saturday as the first test against Pakistan ended in a draw.
England needed 99 in a possible 19 overs to win at Zayed Stadium after a brilliant spell by leg-spinner Adil Rashid, who picked up 5-64 as Pakistan was bowled out for 173 in its second innings.
When umpires called off play, England was 74-4 in 11 overs, needing 25 more runs to win. Joe Root was unbeaten on 33 and Ian Bell on five. Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq started with spinners Zulfiqar Babar and Shoaib Malik, who claimed two wickets each, and it was never going to be an easy chase for England. Almost every fielder was placed on the boundary and Pakistan took its time between balls and overs. England had earlier declared its first innings at 598-9 for a 75-run lead.
Brief Scores
Pakistan: 523/8 & 173 (Younis Khan 45; Rashid 5/64) drew with England: 598/9 & 74/4 (Joe Root 33 not out; Malik 2/25, Zulfiqar 2/27).