In a thrilling fourth-day performance, Pakistan’s spinners led by Noman Ali bowled them to a comprehensive 152-run victory over England, leveling the three-match Test series at 1-1 in Multan on Friday. Chasing a target of 297 on a turning track at the Multan Cricket Stadium, England were bundled out for just 144 in the morning session.
Noman Ali was the standout performer, claiming career-best figures of 8-46, while his fellow spinner Sajid Khan also contributed crucial wickets. Together, the two spinners claimed all 20 English wickets in the match, a rare feat in Test cricket that had not been achieved in over 50 years.
England’s captain Ben Stokes top-scored with 37, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled to cope with Pakistan’s relentless spin attack. Ollie Pope (22) and Joe Root (18) provided brief resistance before Noman ran through the middle and lower order.
Reflecting on the victory, Pakistan captain Shan Masood said, “The first win is always special, especially after some tough times. Noman and Sajid were incredible. We didn’t need a third bowler, and that speaks volumes about their contribution.”
England, resuming the day at 36-2, needed an extraordinary effort to chase the target, but vice-captain Ollie Pope fell early, caught and bowled by Sajid Khan. Noman then trapped Joe Root lbw, a decision upheld despite a review, and from there, England’s hopes crumbled. Harry Brook (16) and Jamie Smith followed quickly as England collapsed to 88-6.
Stokes attempted to mount a counterattack, but a mistimed shot saw him lose control of his bat, allowing Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan to run him out, ending England’s resistance.
Stokes admitted after the match that the team struggled with the conditions. “Extreme spin like that is tough, but we did well in patches. If a few of us had gone on after getting starts, we might have gotten closer, or even won.”
The third and final Test of the series will take place in Rawalpindi on Thursday, with both teams looking to secure a series victory.
