Multan, Oct 18 (UNI) In a remarkable display of spin bowling, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan shared all 20 England wickets, leading Pakistan to a commanding 152-run victory in the second Test match at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday.
This victory marks Pakistan’s first Test win on home soil since February 2021, as England crumbled to 144 all out while chasing a daunting target of 297 runs.
Noman Ali was the standout performer, finishing with remarkable innings figures of 8 for 46, the second-best bowling figures by a Pakistani on home ground, only surpassed by Abdul Qadir’s 9 for 56 against England in Lahore in 1987.
Overall, Noman’s match figures of 11 for 147 highlighted his dominance throughout the match. Meanwhile, fellow spinner Sajid Khan contributed significantly with nine wickets, showcasing the prowess of Pakistan’s spin attack.
This match marked only the third instance in which Pakistan spinners claimed all 20 wickets in a Test match, following similar feats in 1980 against the West Indies and in 1987 against England.
On day four, Pakistan quickly wrapped up the remaining England wickets, with Sajid taking one and Noman capturing seven for just 108 runs in 22.3 overs. England resumed their innings at 36 for 2, needing 261 more runs for victory, but the day quickly turned sour for the visitors.
Sajid struck early, enticing Ollie Pope (22) to offer a simple catch in the second over. Noman then claimed the crucial wickets of Joe Root (18) and Harry Brook (16), both leg-before wicket, leaving England reeling at 78 for 5.
England’s captain, Ben Stokes, fought valiantly, top-scoring with 37 runs off 36 balls, but was ultimately outwitted by Noman, who had him stumped by Mohammad Rizwan in the 28th over. Brydon Carse provided some late resistance with a quick-fire 27 off 32 balls, including three sixes, before being dismissed in the slips.
The match concluded with the dismissals of Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir on consecutive deliveries, sealing a disappointing defeat for England.
The teams will now prepare for the third and final Test match of the series, scheduled to begin on October 24 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with the first ball set to be bowled at 10 AM PKT.
