England claimed a remarkable win in the first Test against Pakistan in Multan, sealing victory by an innings and 47 runs. Despite Pakistan’s impressive first-innings total of 556, the visitors’ dominant 823-7 declared gave them a commanding position. Pakistan, unfortunately, made history in an unwanted fashion, becoming the first team to score over 500 in their first innings and still lose by an innings.
Pakistan’s hopes for a final-day resurgence, with the score at 152-6, were dashed despite a gritty 109-run partnership between Salman Ali Agha (63) and Aamer Jamal (55*). England’s spinner Jack Leach (4-30) proved the difference, breaking the stand by dismissing Salman leg-before early in the day. With Pakistan a man down due to Abrar Ahmed’s illness, they crumbled further as Leach picked up three more wickets, including a brilliant catch off his own bowling to dismiss Shaheen Afridi. England now lead the three-match series 1-0, with the second Test also taking place in Multan.
Score Summary – Pakistan vs England, First Test
Pakistan First Innings: 556 all out (149 overs)
- Top Scorers: Shan Masood (151), Salman Agha (104*), Abdullah Shafique (102)
- Key Bowlers: Jack Leach (3-160), Brydon Carse (2-74), Gus Atkinson (2-99)
England First Innings: 832-7 declared (105 overs)
- Top Scorers: Harry Brook (317), Joe Root (262)
- Key Bowlers: Naseem Shah (2-157)
Pakistan Second Innings: 220 all out (54.5 overs)
- Top Scorers: Salman Ali Agha (63), Aamer Jamal (55)
- Key Bowlers: Jack Leach (4-30), Gus Atkinson (2-28)
England win by an innings and 47 runs, leading the three-match series 1-0.
Leach’s Spin Masterclass Drives England’s Victory
England’s victory was built on disciplined bowling and tight fielding, particularly after Pakistan’s collapse on day four, where they lost six wickets for 86 runs. Salman and Aamer’s defiance on the fifth morning frustrated England briefly, but Leach’s quick impact soon ended any hopes for Pakistan. A review by Salman was futile, with replays confirming a clear dismissal, and the rest of the lineup soon followed.
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Leach’s sharp reflexes in his follow-through helped dismiss Afridi, while Naseem Shah briefly entertained the crowd with a six before being stumped. Despite some late resistance, Pakistan couldn’t avoid defeat, continuing a difficult run in home Tests.
Pakistan’s Struggles Continue Amid Leadership Changes
This defeat extends Pakistan’s winless streak in home Tests since 2022. With Shaheen (1-120) and Naseem (2-157) struggling to find form, Pakistan’s bowling attack couldn’t handle England’s powerful lineup. It was the first time five Pakistan bowlers conceded over 100 runs in a single Test innings. Adding to their woes, former captain Babar Azam’s poor form persisted, scoring just 30 and five, marking nine consecutive Tests without a half-century.
The turmoil off the field hasn’t helped either, with Pakistan Cricket Board’s frequent changes in leadership affecting team stability. Since 2022, Pakistan has seen three chairmen, two Test captains, and multiple coaching shifts. Under Shan Masood’s current leadership, the team is searching for consistency.
The instability has affected not just the Test team, but the white-ball teams as well. Pakistan’s 50-over World Cup campaign last year ended in disappointment, as they were eliminated in the group stages, marking the fifth time in six editions they failed to reach the semi-finals.
In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Pakistan arrived with high hopes after finishing as runners-up in the previous tournament. However, they suffered a shock defeat at the hands of the USA, one of the co-hosts, in Texas.
Now, with only a few days before the second Test in Multan, Shan Masood’s side is looking to bounce back and level the series before heading into the third and final match in Rawalpindi.
Shan Masood: “We Need to Learn How to Take 20 Wickets.”
captain of pakistan team
“When you post 556 runs, it’s crucial to back it up by taking 10 wickets and keeping the game competitive. Unfortunately, we failed to do that.
Had we managed to take those wickets and keep England’s score closer to ours, the 220 runs we made on the fifth day would have posed a real challenge for them. That’s the key.
As a team, we need to figure out how both our batting and bowling in the first innings can set us up for success. That’s something we’re struggling with right now.
Our second innings batting also needs improvement, but the most important lesson moving forward is learning how to take 20 wickets. That’s the real challenge ahead of us.”
Ollie Pope: “We Knew We Needed a Mammoth Score”
captain of England Team
“Credit to the bowlers for their incredible performance. The fitness they displayed was outstanding, and the same goes for Joe Root and Harry Brook.
We knew that if we wanted to win, we had to post a massive total. It wasn’t just about a lead of 100 runs; it had to be closer to 300. And we delivered.
Being 260 runs behind is never easy. Even if they had batted perfectly and put up 400, we were confident we could chase down anything around 140.”
