Pakistan levelled the three-match Check collection with a complete 152-run victory over England within the second Check at Multan Cricket Stadium. The win got here courtesy of a dominant show by Pakistan’s spinners, who made full use of a re-used pitch, bowling England out for 144 earlier than lunch on Day 4. The end result units up an exciting collection decider in Rawalpindi subsequent week, with the collection tied 1-1. Chasing a difficult goal of 297, England batters have been undone by left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who claimed seven of the eight wickets that fell on the fourth morning, ending with figures of 8-46 within the second innings and 11-147 total within the match.
Noman, together with off-spinner Sajid Khan, who took 9 wickets throughout the 2 innings, uncovered England’s vulnerability to spin on a turning floor. Collectively, they achieved the uncommon feat of sharing all 20 wickets between them, one thing that has occurred solely seven occasions in Check historical past.
The important thing to Pakistan’s victory was credited to their choice and the pitch situations. After a humiliating defeat within the first Check, the place England posted a record-breaking 823-7 declared, Pakistan responded with radical adjustments.
They dropped former captain Babar Azam, together with tempo bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, choosing a spin-heavy assault on a reused Multan pitch. The transfer paid dividends as Noman and Sajid spun England into submission, taking advantage of a pointy flip and unpredictable bounce.
Effectively achieved, crew!
Unbelievable win. Happy with the hassle and spirit. pic.twitter.com/TYruIjEF9u
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) October 18, 2024
Play for the title on the entrance of the shirt and so they’ll keep in mind the title on the again. Effectively performed boys #PAKvENG
— Shoaib Malik (@realshoaibmalik) October 18, 2024
What a win!
Particular credit score to Sajid Khan & Noman Ali for taking all 20 wickets and delivering a large 152-run victory over England. Really a crew effort and a proud day for Pakistan! pic.twitter.com/OHTROQsyLU
— Hassan Ali (@RealHa55an) October 18, 2024
Congratulations Crew Pakistan
Good house victory after 3 years 8 months and 11 days. #PAKvENG good bowling Noman Ali and Sajid pic.twitter.com/x39GzwDaQw
— Rashid Latif (@iRashidLatif68) October 18, 2024
The turning level got here early on day 4 when England resumed on 36-2, nonetheless needing 261 extra runs to chase what would have been their highest-ever complete in Asia. England’s method to countering the spin appeared to be assault, however this performed into Pakistan’s palms. Ollie Pope fell to the eighth ball of the day, providing a return catch to Sajid, and from there, the collapse was swift.
Joe Root, considered one of England’s most skilled batters, was trapped lbw attempting to brush Noman, whereas Harry Brook missed a hack throughout the road and was additionally dismissed on lbw. The normally dependable Jamie Smith handed a easy catch to mid-on, and abruptly England have been 87-6, the chase in tatters.
Captain Ben Stokes briefly supplied some resistance, sweeping and reverse-sweeping at each alternative. Together with Brydon Carse, he added 37 from 31 balls, with Carse managing to overturn an lbw resolution earlier than hitting Sajid for back-to-back sixes. Nevertheless, Stokes’ aggressive intent led to his downfall, as he charged at Noman, shedding his bat within the course of and permitting wicketkeeper Muhammad Rizwan to stump him.
The tail folded rapidly, with Carse edging to slide and Jack Leach’s inside edge discovering brief leg. Shoaib Bashir was caught on the foolish level on the very subsequent ball to seal Pakistan’s victory, ending England’s four-match profitable streak in Pakistan.
Finally, Pakistan’s spinners have been the celebs of the present in Multan, and their relentless accuracy and sharp flip proved an excessive amount of for England. Noman Ali and Sajid Khan’s unbroken spell of 33.3 overs was the longest two bowlers have bowled in a accomplished Check innings since 1956.
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