Pakistan finally broke its home Test losing streak after three years, and eight months and 11 days as they bowled out England in the second Test of the three-match for 144 runs.
Spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan claimed all 20 wickets as Pakistan secured a victory against England in Multan, leveling the three-match series.
This win marks Pakistan's first Test victory under Shan Masood's captaincy and their first on home soil since Feburary 2021.
Pakistan players celebrate after the match REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro
Pakistan secured victory after ‘resting’ three of its top players: Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah. The decision followed the team’s disappointing performance in the first Test against England, where they lost by an innings in Multan.
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 the win, England faltered, losing seven wickets for 125 runs as Sajid and Noman exploited the spinning conditions.
Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan stumps out England's Ben Stokes off the bowling of Noman Ali REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro
Noman Ali was the pick of the bowlers grabbing five wickets.
Pakistan players shake hands with England players and celebrate after the match REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro
Prior to latest victory, Pakistan played 24 Tests overall, securing just eight wins – two each against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, three against Sri Lanka, and one against the West Indies.
They’ve suffered 12 defeats, including four to Australia, one each to Sri Lanka and the West Indies, four to England and two to Bangladesh. The remaining four Tests, all drawn, were against Australia and New Zealand.
Today, England’s top order crumbled in their chase of 297, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Ben Duckett for 1, Zak Crawley at 11, Ollie Pope at 37, Joe Root at 55, Harry Brook at 78, Jamie Smith at 89 and ben Stokes at 125.
Day 3 Summary
Sajid was a standout performer 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 centurion in the first innings, was caught attempting a sweep, top-edging the ball straight up. Zak Crawley followed soon after, stumped by a sharp delivery from Noman, leaving England at 11 for 2.
Sajid then dealt another blow by dismissing Ollie Pope, reducing England to 37 for 3.
England still need 250 more 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 pivotal role in both innings.
Earlier, Pakistan posted 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 7-wicket haul helped secure a 75-run lead for the hosts.
He was supported by Noman Ali, who also played a key role with two wickets in this innings, keeping England’s top order under constant pressure.
As the Multan pitch continues to assist spin, Pakistan are in a prime position to wrap up the match and end a winless streak at home that dates back to 2021.
England's hopes now rest on their middle order, but the spin-friendly conditions and Pakistan's relentless bowling will make it a tough battle in the sessions to come.
