Pakistan’s cricket team celebrated a resounding victory over England in the second Test in Multan, leveling the series 1-1 and ending an 11-match winless streak at home. The triumph marked the first win for Shan Masood as captain, who took over the reins last year.
Masood’s leadership was instrumental in Pakistan’s strategic changes after their loss in the first Test. The team dropped Babar Azam and opted to play three spinners on a reused pitch. This move proved effective as England, resuming at 36-2, could only add 108 more runs.
Spinner Noman Ali emerged as the hero for Pakistan, taking eight wickets in England’s second innings with figures of 8-46. Sajid Khan supported him with 2-93, wrapping up England’s innings at 144. Noman finished with a match haul of 11-147, while Sajid had 9-204. This was only the second time in Pakistan’s history that two bowlers took all 20 wickets in a Test match.
Noman Ali’s performance was particularly impressive, as he dismissed key England batsmen Joe Root and Harry Brook. He also took the wickets of Jamie Smith, Captain Ben Stokes, Brydon Carse, Jack Leach, and Shoaib Bashir. This performance surpassed his previous best of 7-70 against Sri Lanka last year.
Pakistan’s bowlers dominated throughout the match, with Sajid Khan dismissing Ollie Pope early. England’s position worsened at 78-5 when these key players were dismissed. Noman Ali continued to dominate, taking the remaining wickets to secure Pakistan’s first home win in over three years.
The decisive third and final Test will start on October 24 in Rawalpindi, where Pakistan will aim to seal the series victory.
