Thanks to brilliant bowling by Pakistani spinners, England was all out for 112 runs in their second innings of the Rawalpindi Test, leaving Pakistan a target of just 36 runs, which they achieved with the loss of only one wicket.
In the match played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan’s chase of the 36-run target was led by openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique. However, at the score of 14, Saim Ayub was trapped LBW by Jack Leach after scoring 8 runs.
After Saim’s dismissal, Shan Masood came to the crease and hit three boundaries off his first three balls. Pakistan captain then sealed the victory with a six, finishing with 23 runs from 6 balls, including 4 fours and a six.
Saud Shakeel was named Player of the Match for his brilliant century in the first innings, while Sajid Khan was awarded Player of the Series for his excellent bowling.
Nauman Ali took 20 wickets and Sajid Khan 19 in the series. Both represented Pakistan in two of the three Test matches in the series.
Pakistan’s First Home Series Win After Over 3 Years
This victory marks Pakistan’s first home Test series win in over 3 years. The last time Pakistan won a home Test series was against South Africa in January 2021.
Pakistan had faced home defeats against Australia and England in 2022, and Bangladesh in 2024.
This is Pakistan’s fourth Test series win against England on home soil. The last time Pakistan won a home Test series against England was in 2005, and they have now won a Test series against England after 8 years. Pakistan had previously won a 3-match series 2-0 in the UAE in 2015-16.
England’s Second Innings
On the third day of the Rawalpindi Test, England resumed their second innings at 24 for 3, with Joe Root on 5 and Harry Brook on 3. However, Nauman Ali soon dismissed Harry Brook for 26, followed by the wicket of captain Ben Stokes for 3.
England’s sixth wicket fell at 75 when Jamie Smith was bowled by Sajid Khan for 3. Nauman Ali then removed Joe Root for 33, leaving England at 85 for 7.
Also Read: Shakeel’s Century Puts Pakistan in Command in the Deciding Test
Gus Atkinson was dismissed by Sajid Khan at the score of 97, and England’s ninth wicket fell at 106 when Rehan Ahmed was out for 7, also to Sajid Khan. The final wicket to fall was Jack Leach, who was dismissed by Nauman Ali for 10, ending England’s innings at 112.
It is worth noting that England scored 267 runs in their first innings, while Pakistan replied with 344, taking a lead of 77 runs.
Player of the Match: Saud Shakeel (Pakistan)
Player of the Series: Sajid Khan (Pakistan)
