In a gripping second Test at the Multan Cricket Stadium, Pakistan delivered a commanding performance to defeat England by 152 runs, leveling the series at 1-1. The match, which kept fans on the edge of their seats, showcased the mastery of Pakistan’s spin attack, spearheaded by Sajid Khan and Noman Ali.
England, who began their second innings on Day 4 with a score of 36/2, crumbled under the relentless pressure of Pakistan’s bowling attack. Their early collapse set the tone for the day, as Ollie Pope was the first to fall, dismissed for just one run by Sajid Khan. Noman Ali followed up with a crucial breakthrough, trapping the experienced Joe Root LBW for 18.
The middle order tried to stage a fightback, with Harry Brook putting up a strong resistance. Brook’s innings of 78 runs provided hope for England, but Noman Ali once again proved his mettle, dismissing him LBW and breaking the spine of England’s resistance. Jamie Smith, who managed to add just 6 runs, was next to go, caught off a well-placed delivery.
Stokes and the Tail Collapse
England’s captain Ben Stokes attempted to steady the innings and form partnerships but was left stranded by his teammates. Stokes played a resilient knock of 37 before being stumped off the bowling of Noman, marking a key moment in the match. The rest of the English batting lineup offered little resistance as Noman Ali ran riot through the tail. Brendon Chris, Jack Leach, and Shoaib Bashir were all dismissed in quick succession, wrapping up England’s innings for just 144 runs.
Noman Ali’s 11 wickets over the course of the match were instrumental in dismantling England’s batting line-up. Sajid Khan was equally impressive, contributing 9 wickets and playing a pivotal role in Pakistan’s dominance. Together, the duo accounted for all of England’s wickets across both innings, underscoring Pakistan’s spin strength.
Pakistan’s Road to Victory
Pakistan’s journey to this victory began with a solid first innings score of 366, driven by contributions from their middle order. England responded with a total of 291, leaving them trailing by 75 runs. Pakistan’s second innings, however, saw them bowled out for 221, setting England a target of 297. With a strong start in the chase, England looked set to challenge, but Pakistan’s bowlers had other plans.
Sajid Khan and Noman Ali consistently applied pressure, resulting in regular wickets and leaving England unable to recover. The 152-run victory not only secured Pakistan a crucial win but also set the stage for an exhilarating final Test in this closely fought series.
Match Highlights
- Noman Ali’s brilliance: Noman Ali’s incredible haul of 11 wickets was the key factor in Pakistan’s success. His precision and ability to exploit the conditions proved too much for the English batsmen.
- Sajid Khan’s all-round performance: With 9 wickets across both innings, Sajid Khan was named Player of the Match, rewarding his consistent brilliance with the ball.
- England’s middle-order struggles: Despite Harry Brook’s fighting knock of 78, England’s middle-order was unable to withstand Pakistan’s spinners, leaving them short of their target.
Series Set for a Dramatic Conclusion
With the series now level at 1-1, both teams head into the final Test with everything to play for. Pakistan’s confidence will be sky-high after their dominant performance, but England will be eager to bounce back. The stage is set for an epic conclusion to this thrilling series.
