RAWALPINDI: Spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali mesmerized England’s batting lineup, leading Pakistan to their first Test series victory at home in more than three years.
After England resumed their second innings at 24/3, trailing by 53 runs, the Pakistani spinners unleashed a relentless attack, restricting the visitors to just 88 runs.
Harry Brook and Joe Root started cautiously, taking England to 60 runs before Noman struck, getting Brook caught behind. Brook’s resilient effort yielded 26 runs off 40 balls, including two boundaries.
Root then formed brief partnerships with Ben Stokes and Jamie Smith, scoring three runs each, before Noman dismissed him, leaving England reeling at 85/7. Root’s cautious innings ended at 33 runs off 52 balls, punctuated by one boundary.
Jack Leach and Gus Atkinson contributed 10 runs each, helping England surpass the 100-run mark, but the damage was done. Noman Ali led the bowling attack with an impressive six-wicket haul, while Sajid Khan supported him well with four wickets.
Chasing a modest target of 36 runs, Pakistan sealed their victory decisively. Captain Shan Masood launched a powerful six over long-off against Shoaib Bashir, finishing with a brisk 23 not out off just six balls, including four boundaries and a six.
Jack Leach prevented a perfect 10-wicket win for Pakistan by trapping Saim Ayub lbw for five runs, while Abdullah Shafique remained unbeaten with five runs.
The series had begun with England dominating the first Test, defeating Pakistan by an innings and 47 runs. However, the home side made a remarkable comeback, clinching the second Test by 152 runs and securing the series with this decisive victory.
