In a thrilling second Test of the series, Pakistan showcased their resilience and determination, defeating England by 152 runs to secure a much-needed victory on home soil. This win not only leveled the series but also broke Pakistan’s winless streak at home in Test cricket, which had persisted since 2021. The match was a perfect example of how Test cricket’s long format rewards patience, skill, and tactical discipline. Let’s take a closer look at how Pakistan secured this dominant win.
First Innings Highlights: Pakistan’s Batting Dominance
Pakistan’s first innings started cautiously, with Abdullah Shafique falling early to Jack Leach for just 7 runs. However, Saim Ayub and Kamran Ghulam held the fort, with Ghulam’s spectacular knock of 118 off 224 balls being the standout performance. Saim Ayub played a patient and controlled innings of 77 from 160 balls, helping Pakistan build a strong foundation. These performances were pivotal in setting the stage for Pakistan to post a respectable total of 366 runs in 123.3 overs.
Ghulam’s Century: Kamran Ghulam’s century was a masterclass in Test match batting. His ability to rotate the strike and pick the gaps kept the English bowlers at bay. His 13 boundaries helped Pakistan cross the 300-run mark, giving them the upper hand after the early setbacks.
Other notable contributions came from Mohammad Rizwan (41), Aamer Jamal (37), and Noman Ali (32), who added crucial runs towards the end of the innings. The English bowling attack, led by Jack Leach, who claimed 4 wickets for 114 runs, showed persistence but failed to dislodge the middle order in time.
England’s Response: Ben Duckett Leads the Charge
England came out determined to respond strongly, with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett opening the innings. Crawley fell early for 27, but Ben Duckett anchored the innings with a sublime century, scoring 114 from 129 deliveries. His innings was filled with crisp strokes and well-timed boundaries, keeping England’s hopes alive.
However, Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by Sajid Khan, took control of the middle and lower order, preventing England from capitalizing on Duckett’s efforts. Sajid Khan’s remarkable figures of 7 wickets for 111 runs were key in restricting England to 291. The English lower order faltered, with none of the batters after Joe Root managing to settle in. Root himself contributed 34 runs but was dismissed by Sajid Khan at a crucial stage.
Pakistan’s Second Innings Struggles
Pakistan’s second innings started poorly, with their top order collapsing under pressure from the English bowling attack. Shoaib Bashir, playing only his second Test match, wreaked havoc by dismissing Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, and Shan Masood early. Jack Leach, continuing his good form, claimed another 3 wickets in the innings, reducing Pakistan to 77/4 at one stage.
However, a composed knock by Salman Agha, who scored 63 off 89 balls, kept Pakistan afloat. Saud Shakeel contributed 31, but the rest of the lower order failed to resist England’s attack. Pakistan was bowled out for 221, setting England a target of 366 runs to win.
England’s Second Innings Collapse: Pakistan’s Bowling Brilliance
Chasing 366 on a fourth-day pitch in subcontinental conditions was always going to be a challenge for England, but they didn’t anticipate the devastation caused by Pakistan’s spinners. England crumbled to 144 all out in just 33.3 overs, unable to cope with the relentless pressure applied by Noman Ali and Sajid Khan.
Noman Ali was the star of the second innings, claiming 5 wickets for just 51 runs. His ability to extract turn and bounce from the pitch proved to be England’s undoing. Key English players like Zak Crawley, Ben Stokes, and Harry Brook fell cheaply as Pakistan’s bowlers capitalized on the deteriorating pitch conditions. Ben Stokes top-scored for England with 37 runs, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the collapse.
Key Factors in Pakistan’s Victory
1. Kamran Ghulam’s Century: Ghulam’s 118 set the tone for Pakistan’s first innings, providing the stability needed to build a competitive total. His innings showed immense maturity, especially given Pakistan’s early loss of wickets.
2. Sajid Khan’s 7-Wicket Haul: Sajid’s figures of 7/111 were instrumental in breaking the back of England’s batting order. His consistent line and length, combined with sharp turn, left the English middle order in tatters.
3. Noman Ali’s Second Innings Magic: With England chasing a challenging total, Noman Ali stepped up, taking 5 wickets and putting England on the back foot. His dismissal of key players like Ben Stokes and Harry Brook was crucial in sealing the victory for Pakistan.
4. England’s Batting Collapse: England’s inability to build partnerships in the second innings was their downfall. They lost wickets in clusters, and Pakistan capitalized on their mistakes, maintaining pressure through disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.
5. Pitch Conditions: The pitch in Multan played a significant role in Pakistan’s win. The early stages offered assistance to seamers, but as the match progressed, spinners came into play. Noman Ali and Sajid Khan exploited these conditions expertly, making life difficult for England’s batters.
What This Victory Means for Pakistan Cricket
This victory is not just a win in a Test series—it is a statement. For the past few years, Pakistan has struggled with consistency, particularly in home conditions where they were expected to dominate. This win over a strong England side, especially after a tough first Test loss, shows that Pakistan has the potential to be a force in Test cricket once again.
• Building Momentum: This win gives Pakistan the momentum they need heading into future series. With key players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Noman Ali in good form, Pakistan will be looking to build on this performance.
• Young Talent: The emergence of players like Kamran Ghulam, Saim Ayub, and Salman Agha shows that Pakistan has a promising future. These players, along with the experienced core, will be vital in ensuring Pakistan’s success in the long format of the game.
• Test Match Resilience: This match highlighted Pakistan’s resilience in Test cricket. Despite facing a collapse in the second innings, they fought back with strong bowling performances, showing that they have the mental toughness required to succeed at the highest level.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s victory over England by 152 runs is a testament to their determination and ability to bounce back after setbacks. The combination of solid batting, disciplined bowling, and smart tactics ensured that Pakistan not only leveled the series but also sent a message to the cricketing world that they are a team to be reckoned with. With a mix of young talent and experienced campaigners, Pakistan looks poised for a bright future in Test cricket.
As they prepare for the next match in the series, Pakistan will be eager to continue this winning momentum and solidify their place as one of the top Test teams in the world.
