Pakistan secured a stunning 152-run victory in the second Test against England in Multan, leveling the series 1-1 with one match to play. A relentless spin attack led by Noman Ali and Sajid Khan dismantled England’s batting line-up, as they bowled out the visitors for just 144 in their pursuit of 297, completing a memorable win.
The day belonged to Pakistan’s spin duo, with Noman Ali claiming a career-best 8 for 46, finishing the match with an incredible 11-wicket haul. Sajid Khan, who had earlier taken 7 for 111 in the first innings, chipped in with two key wickets, as the pair became the first duo since Dennis Lillee and Bob Massie in 1972 to take all 20 wickets in a Test match.
It was a swift and dramatic conclusion to a Test that was effectively decided in less than two hours on the fourth day. England, needing 261 more runs for victory, were undone by an aggressive and unpredictable spin attack on a pitch that had begun to turn sharply. The visitors’ response was largely based on sweeping shots, but the strategy backfired as they collapsed in a flurry of misjudged sweeps and reverse sweeps.
Noman’s Heroics and Pakistan’s Spin Dominance
Noman Ali’s performance was the highlight of the day. His 8-wicket haul was the best in his career, and the sight of him deceiving England’s batters with his flight and turn was a testament to his skill. Sajid, who had already taken seven wickets in the first innings, joined the party with two wickets in the second innings, as the spin tandem sealed England’s fate.
Ollie Pope was the first to fall, trapped by a superb delivery from Sajid, as England’s troubles began early. Harry Brook and Joe Root tried to launch a fightback, but both were undone by the spinning ball. Root, in particular, struggled, facing eight balls in his innings, attempting seven sweeps before falling LBW to Noman. Brook followed soon after, pinned in front by Noman, as England’s middle order fell apart.
By the time England were reduced to 88 for 6, the game was effectively over. Captain Ben Stokes showed brief resistance, scoring a brisk 37, but even he was caught out by Noman’s guile, stumped by Mohammad Rizwan after being drawn out of his crease.
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Pakistan’s Captivating Comeback
The win was especially sweet for Pakistan after a tough run of form, with the team coming off six consecutive losses under the leadership of Shan Masood. This victory, Masood’s first as captain, ended a difficult streak and gave Pakistan renewed hope ahead of the third Test in Rawalpindi.
The result also highlighted Pakistan’s bold strategy changes. Dropping key players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah in favor of a three-man spin attack seemed risky, but it paid off handsomely. Noman, playing his first Test since July, and Sajid, who had been brought back into the team, were instrumental in exploiting the conditions. Zahid Mahmood, the third spinner, bowled just six overs, underscoring the dominance of Noman and Sajid.
England’s Miscalculated Approach
England’s tactics on the day were an indication of their desperation, as they relied heavily on the sweep shot in an attempt to counter the spin. While it worked for them in the first Test, the Multan pitch had changed, offering more turn, and this approach played into the hands of Pakistan’s spinners. Pope, Root, and Brook all fell in rapid succession, their attempts to score quickly proving their undoing.
England’s lower order, including the tail, provided some resistance, with Brydon Carse hitting three sixes in a brief cameo, but even that was not enough to prevent the inevitable collapse.
Series Levelled Ahead of Rawalpindi Test
The series now stands at 1-1, with the final Test in Rawalpindi to come. Pakistan’s win in Multan is a significant moment, not just for the result but for the way they responded to adversity. With their spin department firing on all cylinders and their captain finally getting a win under his belt, Pakistan will head into the final Test with renewed confidence, knowing they have the potential to take the series lead.
For England, the defeat will sting, but with the series still evenly poised, they will look to regroup and adjust their approach in the series decider.
