Pakistan has finally ended its home Test losing streak, achieving a 152-run victory over England after a wait of three years, eight months, and 11 days. In the second Test of the three-match series, Pakistan bowled out England for just 144 runs in Multan, leveling the series.
The spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan took all 20 wickets, marking Pakistan’s first Test win under captain Shan Masood and their first home victory since February 2021. This win came after Pakistan decided to rest key players Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah, following a disappointing performance in the first Test, where they lost by an innings.
In England’s second innings, Sajid and Noman dismantled the visitors’ top and middle order during the opening session. Chasing a target of 297 runs, England struggled, losing seven wickets for just 125 runs as the spinners capitalized on the favorable conditions. Prior to this latest victory, Pakistan had played 24 Tests, securing only eight wins—two against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, three against Sri Lanka, and one against the West Indies. They suffered 12 defeats, including four to Australia, and the rest against Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and England, with four matches drawn against Australia and New Zealand.
Today, England’s top order faltered in their pursuit of 297 runs, losing wickets at regular intervals. Ben Duckett fell for 1, Zak Crawley for 11, Ollie Pope for 37, Joe Root for 55, Harry Brook for 78, Jamie Smith for 89, and Ben Stokes for 125.
Day 3 Summary
Sajid Khan was exceptional in England’s first innings, taking 7 for 111, and made his mark right from the start of the chase. Duckett, who scored a century in the first innings, was caught while attempting a sweep, sending the ball straight up. Zak Crawley soon followed, stumped by a sharp delivery from Noman, leaving England in trouble at 11 for 2. Sajid struck again, dismissing Ollie Pope, reducing England to 37 for 3.
With England still needing 250 runs to win and their captain Ben Stokes, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, and the lower order yet to bat, Pakistan was eyeing its first home win since 2021, with Sajid playing a crucial role in both innings.
Earlier, Pakistan posted 366 runs in their first innings, thanks to contributions from Salman Agha (63) and some lower-order runs from Sajid himself. England replied with 291, largely due to Duckett’s 114, before Sajid’s brilliance with the ball turned the tide for Pakistan.
The key moment for Pakistan came on Day 3 when Sajid’s 7-wicket haul secured a 75-run lead for the hosts. Noman Ali also played an important role, claiming two wickets and keeping the pressure on England’s top order.
With the Multan pitch continuing to assist spin, Pakistan is in a strong position to conclude the match and put an end to a winless streak at home that has persisted since 2021. England’s hopes now hinge on their middle order, but the spin-friendly conditions and Pakistan’s relentless bowling will present a formidable challenge in the coming sessions.
