Pakistan set an unfortunate record in Test history, suffering an innings-and-47-run defeat to England in Multan.
Source: Times of India
England secured a dominant win over Pakistan, defeating them by an innings and 47 runs on the fifth day of the first Test in Multan. Starting the day at 152-6, Pakistan’s hopes for a comeback were dashed as they were bowled out for 220, with leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed unable to bat due to illness. Jack Leach was instrumental in dismantling Pakistan’s lower order, taking four wickets to cap off England’s commanding performance after their massive 823-7 declared in the first innings.
This loss made Pakistan the first team in Test history to lose a match by an innings despite scoring over 500 runs in their first innings—a new low in their recent performance. It also marked Pakistan’s sixth consecutive Test defeat and seventh home loss in their last nine matches, underlining their struggles in the format.
On Day 5, England’s pace bowlers put pressure on the overnight batsmen Agha Salman and Aamer Jamal with aggressive bouncers. Jamal, who was struck on the head by Brydon Carse, displayed resilience and brought up his half-century. He was given a lifeline when stand-in captain Ollie Pope dropped a tough chance at square leg, leaving Jamal unbeaten on 55.
Leach showcased his brilliance by taking a stunning return catch to dismiss Shaheen Afridi and stumping Naseem Shah to seal the victory. England’s bowlers delivered an outstanding performance on a flat Multan pitch that offered little assistance. Despite losing the toss and spending over a day and a half in the field while Pak posted 556, England responded with a colossal total of 823, fueled by Harry Brook’s maiden triple century and Joe Root’s career-best 262.
The defeat also marked a disappointing start for Pakistan’s new captain Shan Masood, who replaced Babar Azam. This is Pakistan’s sixth straight loss under his leadership, with three against Australia (away), two against Bangladesh (home), and the first Test in Multan.
With only two wins in eight matches this cycle, the team’s hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship final are now almost over, leaving them at the bottom of the table.
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