RAWALPINDI – Pakistan’s spinners delivered an exceptional performance on Saturday, securing a 2-1 victory over England in the three-match Test series, marking the team’s long-awaited triumph at home. Noman Ali and Sajid Khan led the charge, dismissing England for just 112 runs in their second innings and leaving Pakistan with a target of only 36 runs to win. The Green Shirts chased it down in 3.1 overs, with Shan Masood scoring an unbeaten 23 to seal the victory on the third day.
A Spin-Driven Contest
On a spin-friendly pitch, Noman Ali took 6-42 while Sajid Khan contributed 4-69, decimating England’s lineup and setting up Pakistan’s straightforward chase. The duo claimed all 10 wickets in England’s second innings, with Joe Root’s 33 runs being the only notable contribution from the English side. England, resuming their second innings at 24-3, struggled to combat Pakistan’s spin attack as they collapsed, paving the way for a decisive Pakistani win.
Captain Shan Masood and Team Shine
Captain Shan Masood expressed his pride, stating, “To be here and standing as the winning team, it’s the most special thing for us.” Reflecting on the back-to-back wins, he added, “The first win came after a long time and it was backed up by a series win. It’s special.” The match’s highlights included Sajid Khan’s 10-wicket haul, which earned him the Player of the Series title, while Saud Shakeel was named Player of the Match for his crucial century.
Historic Series Milestone
This series win holds significant value for Pakistan, as it marks their first home Test series victory in over three years, and their fourth against England on home soil. The win at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is also notable, as Pakistan had previously lost to England on this ground in 2022. This victory serves as a morale boost for Pakistan following recent home series losses against Australia, England, and Bangladesh.
