MULTAN: In a spectacular show of spin bowling, Pakistan crushed England by 152 runs in the second Test at Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday, leveling the three-match series at 1-1. The hosts’ bowlers were relentless, dismantling the visitors’ batting order and sending shockwaves through the English camp.
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Set a challenging target of 297 runs to win, England resumed on the fourth day at 36 for 2, needing a monumental effort to chase down the total. However, they quickly fell apart under the pressure exerted by Pakistan’s spin duo, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan. Noman emerged as the star of the show, claiming an impressive 8 wickets for just 46 runs, leaving the English batsmen struggling to adapt to his clever variations and sharp turn.
Captain Ben Stokes provided a glimmer of hope for England, scoring a resilient 37, but he had little support from his teammates, who faltered against the spin. Sajid Khan also contributed significantly, picking up crucial wickets to further increase pressure on visitors.
In a thrilling display of bowling prowess, Noman Ali delivered a match-winning performance, claiming an extraordinary 8 wickets for just 46 runs, leading Pakistan to a commanding 152-run victory over England in the second Test at Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday. This historic win marked Pakistan’s first home victory in three years, igniting celebrations among players and fans alike.
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Earlier, Pakistan’s Sajid Khan showcased his exceptional bowling prowess, sending shockwaves through the English camp by dismissing Ollie Pope early in the innings.
Pakistan’s spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali put the hosts in a strong position on Day 3 of the second Test, as England ended the day at 36-2, chasing a competitive 297-run target at Multan Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Sajid Khan made an immediate impact, dismissing Ben Duckett, who had scored a century in the first innings, on just the third ball of England’s chase. Duckett departed without scoring, giving Pakistan the perfect start. Noman Ali then trapped Zak Crawley for just three, reducing England to 11-2.
Pakistan were bowled out for 221 in their second innings, with Salman Ali Agha top-scoring with a fighting 63. England’s Shoaib Bashir led the attack with four wickets, while Jack Leach claimed three crucial dismissals.
Pakistan’s innings struggled after Tea, as they lost Saud Shakeel for 30, leaving the team at 145-6. Salman Ali Agha and Sajid Khan (22) formed a crucial 65-run partnership for the ninth wicket, pushing Pakistan to a more competitive total before both fell in quick succession. Zahid Mahmood remained unbeaten without scoring.
The hosts had resumed their second innings with a lead of 75 runs but were quickly reduced to 25-2 after early strikes from Shoaib Bashir, who removed Saim Ayub for 22 on the last ball before Lunch.
Kamran Ghulam (26) and Saud Shakeel provided some resistance, adding 34 runs for the fourth wicket, but Ghulam was dismissed by Leach, and Pakistan faltered soon after.
Earlier in the day, England began their first innings at 239-6, with Jamie Smith (12*) and Brydon Carse (2*) at the crease. They could only add nine runs to their overnight score as Sajid Khan continued his impressive bowling, claiming two quick wickets to wrap up England’s innings at 248. Sajid finished with a brilliant 7-111, while Noman took 3-101.
Ben Duckett had been the star for England in their first innings, scoring a commanding 114 with 16 boundaries. However, Pakistan’s spinners, led by Sajid Khan, caused a collapse from 211-2 to 225-6, putting the visitors on the back foot.
Pakistan Playing XI
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel (vc), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mahmood.
England Playing XI
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Brydon Carse, Matt Potts, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.
