Pakistan Triumphs Over England in Second Test with Impressive Bowling Performance

Pakistan secured a 152-run victory against England in the second Test match held at Multan, ending their 11-match winless streak in home Tests since March 2022. The victory was largely attributed to the exceptional bowling performance of Noman Ali, who achieved a career-best of 8 wickets for 46 runs in the second innings and a total of 11 wickets for the match. This performance marks his maiden 10-wicket haul in Test cricket.

Starting the fourth day of play at 36 for 2, England was quickly bowled out for 144. Sajid Khan opened the day with an early breakthrough, dismissing Ollie Pope with a catch off his own bowling. Noman Ali followed by trapping Joe Root lbw, leaving England struggling at 55 for 4. Despite efforts from Ben Stokes and Harry Brook to stabilize the innings, Noman continued to dominate by securing an lbw against Brook and another wicket through Jamie Smith‘s top-edged slog-sweep.

Ben Stokes attempted a counterattack, alongside Brydon Carse, who notably hit two consecutive sixes off Sajid Khan. However, Stokes fell soon after to Noman, who caught him stumped. Noman also dismissed Brydon Carse, Jack Leach, and Shoaib Bashir to complete his eight-wicket haul, leaving England’s lower order ineffective.

The groundwork for Pakistan’s win was established during the first innings. Batting contributions from Kamran Ghulam, who replaced Babar Azam and scored a century on debut, and Saim Ayub, who added 77, propelled Pakistan to a strong total of 366. England’s response was led by Ben Duckett‘s century, but Sajid Khan’s seven wickets dismantled the visitors, restricting them to 291 and granting Pakistan a 75-run first-innings lead.

In their second innings, Pakistan set a challenging target of 297 for England to achieve, with Agha Salman scoring a notable 63. The pitch, which offered significant spin, proved difficult for England as they collapsed on the final day under Noman’s spell.

This emphatic victory means that the series stands level at 1-1, with the third Test scheduled in Rawalpindi. It also marks a significant win for Shan Masood in his role as captain, following a challenging phase of six consecutive defeats.