Pakistan’s cricket team has achieved a remarkable feat by securing a 2-1 series victory against England on home soil. This triumph marks their first Test series win since 2021.
After suffering an innings defeat in the series opener, Pakistan displayed resilience and determination to level the series in Multan. They then rolled out a raging turner in Rawalpindi, where their spin twins, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, wreaked havoc on the English batters.
Ali and Khan claimed 19 of the 20 English wickets in the second Test, while also contributing useful cameos with the bat. Their performances vindicated Pakistan’s bold selection call to drop three frontline players, including Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi.
Sajid Khan, despite sustaining a cut on his chin while batting, returned to the field and spun a web around the English batters. Pakistan captain Shan Masood praised his team’s character and fighting spirit, highlighting the contributions of players who “literally bled for us.”
England, on the other hand, struggled to adapt to the turning tracks and Pakistan’s in-form spinners. Their usual tactics of swashbuckling batting proved inadequate, leading to a meager 112 in their second innings. Only Joe Root managed to offer some resistance with a score of 33.
England captain Ben Stokes acknowledged the challenges faced by his team and expressed disappointment with their inability to match Pakistan’s intensity. He emphasized the need to move on from the setbacks and prepare for the upcoming challenge in New Zealand.
Pakistan’s victory is a testament to their resilience and the effectiveness of their spin attack. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of home advantage in Test cricket.
