Pakistan claimed a memorable Test series win at home for the first time since 2021, triumphing over England 2-1 in a dramatic turnaround. After falling behind 1-0, the hosts fought back to win the third Test at Rawalpindi by nine wickets, securing the series before lunch on day three.
Match Summary
- Pakistan: 344 (Shakeel 134, Sajid 48*, Noman 45, Rehan 4-66, Bashir 3-129) and 37/1 (Masood 23*)
- England: 267 (Smith 89, Duckett 52, Sajid 6-128, Noman 3-88) and 112 (Root 33, Noman 6-42, Sajid 4-69)
Chasing a target of just 36 runs, Pakistan completed the formalities in 3.1 overs, with Shan Masood leading the charge by scoring a brisk 23 runs from six deliveries. The victory marked Pakistan’s second series comeback and their first on home soil.
Bowlers Shine Again
The spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan once again stole the show, claiming all 10 wickets in England’s second innings. Noman registered figures of 6 for 42, while Sajid complemented him with 4 for 69. Their performances were instrumental throughout the series, combining for 39 wickets, with Noman taking 20 at an average of 13.85, and Sajid picking up 19 at 21.01.
England’s Collapse
England began the day at 24 for 3, 53 runs behind. While Joe Root and Harry Brook showed glimpses of resilience, their stay was short-lived. Brook’s aggressive intent was cut short by Sajid, and Noman followed up by dismissing key batsmen, including Ben Stokes and Jamie Smith. The English batting lineup crumbled, with the last seven wickets falling for just 46 runs.
A Fitting End for Pakistan’s Captain
The victory was especially significant for Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, who secured his first series win as skipper. After a challenging start with six consecutive losses, the comeback in this series brought redemption. Masood made a bold statement by smashing four consecutive boundaries off Jack Leach before sealing the win with a towering six.
Conclusion
With the series win secured, Pakistan showcased a blend of resilience and skill, with Noman Ali and Sajid Khan emerging as the standout performers. The team’s impressive turnaround after a heavy defeat in the first Test underscores their potential and the promising leadership of Shan Masood.