Having lost the first Test, Pakistan completed an incredible series turnaround to clinch it 2-1 vs England.
Source: NDTV
After losing the first Test in Multan, Pakistan completed a sensational turnaround to win the three-match home Test series against England. Riding on the performances of spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, Pakistan won the final two Tests to clinch the series 2-1. This victory marks a milestone for Pakistan, achieving a feat for the first time in nearly 30 years. It is the first time Pakistan has won a three-match Test series after losing the opening game since defeating Zimbabwe in a similar fashion in 1995.
Noman and Sajid took all 10 England wickets to dismiss the visitors for 112 as Pakistan raced to victory in Rawalpindi before lunch on day three of the third Test.
Captain Shan Masood smashed five boundaries in six balls, launching Shoaib Bashir over the ropes to seal a resounding win, Paki first home Test series victory since defeating South Africa in February 2021.
“We’d like to dedicate this to the people of Pak, who’ve been through a lot,” said Masood, who had lost his previous two series — 3-0 to Australia and 2-0 to Bangladesh — since taking charge last year.
“Hopefully this will put a smile on people’s faces, and hopefully we can have full houses during matches.”
The 2-1 series win seemed improbable after England dominated the hosts in the first Test in Multan by an innings and 47 runs, leading to the exclusion of stars Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah.
Replacements Noman and Sajid turned the series around, claiming 39 wickets between them in the last two Tests. Pakistan clinched the second match by 152 runs, also in Multan.
“The first win came after a long time and it was backed up by a series win. It’s special,” Masood shared.
“For everyone to stand up and give their best, it means a lot. It’s about character. To be here and standing as the winning team, it’s the most special thing for us.”
Noman finished with figures of 6-42 and Sajid with 4-69 as England, resuming the day at 24-3, were bowled out in 37.2 overs for their lowest total in Pakistan.
England’s previous lowest total in Pakistan was 130 in Lahore in 1987.
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