Pakistan’s long wait for a home Test victory has finally ended. After three years and 44 months of disappointment, the national cricket team gave fans a reason to celebrate. Pakistan triumphed over England by 152 runs in the second Test of the series, leveling the contest at 1-1. The match in Multan will be remembered for its breathtaking display of spin bowling, and the efforts of two Pakistani spinners who led the team to an unforgettable victory.
The fourth day of the match began with England at 36 for 2, resuming their second innings. Joe Root, one of England’s most dependable batsmen, was their hope. But Pakistani spinners Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan had other plans. In the opening moments of the day, Sajid struck first, dismissing Ollie Pope, caught and bowled for just 1. It was a small but crucial victory, setting the tone for what was to come.
Joe Root and Harry Brook attempted to steady the ship, but they couldn’t withstand the lethal spin of Nauman Ali. On just 55, England’s top scorer Root was trapped lbw by Nauman, sending shockwaves through the English camp. The crowd roared with joy as Pakistan’s gained momentum, fueled by the magical spin bowling of their two stars.
Harry Brook, batting with urgency, partnered with captain Ben Stokes to raise the score to 78. But Nauman’s unrelenting accuracy proved too much, and Brook soon fell, bowled out for 24. Pakistan’s grip on the match tightened with every delivery. Stokes, known for his aggressive style, also succumbed to Nauman’s brilliance. His attempt to clear the boundary ended with a stumping, leaving England at 125-7. Nauman’s spin had once again delivered for Pakistan.
Jamie Smith and Brendan Carrs showed some resistance, but their partnership was short-lived. Smith managed just 6 runs before falling to a smart catch off Nauman’s bowling. Carrs, trying to keep England afloat, could only contribute 27 before becoming Nauman’s final victim. In the blink of an eye, Pakistan’s had wrapped up England’s innings at 144, sealing a spectacular 152-run victory.
The heroes of the match were undoubtedly Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan. Nauman, with 8 wickets in the second innings and a total of 11 in the match, spun his way into the history books. Sajid Khan wasn’t far behind, contributing 9 wickets overall and putting consistent pressure on the English batsmen. Together, they did what hadn’t been done in 52 years—two bowlers from the same team took all 20 wickets in a Test match. It was a performance that will be remembered for years to come.
This win was more than just a victory on paper; it was a statement of resilience. For years, Pakistan’s struggled on home soil. Between February 2021 and now, the team failed to win a single Test match at home. Their journey was marked by heartbreaking defeats and missed opportunities. They faced Australia in the Qadir Benwa series in 2022 and lost 0-1. Later that year, England toured Pakistan’s and delivered a clean sweep, 0-3, in a crushing display. The disappointment continued when the national team couldn’t win any of the matches in a series against New Zealand.
Hopes were pinned on this home series against England. The pressure was immense, especially after Pakistan’s lost the first match, extending their string of defeats. But this time, things were different. The team, led by Shan Masood, bounced back with determination. Nauman and Sajid’s incredible bowling was the turning point, and Pakistan finally broke the losing streak that had haunted them for years.
With this win, Pakistan’s not only leveled the series but restored faith in their abilities. The victory marked the end of a painful chapter for the national team, lifting the spirits of fans who had been waiting for such a moment. This was Pakistan’s first home Test win since defeating South Africa in February 2021.
Now, all eyes are on the final Test of the series, to be held in Rawalpindi. After this remarkable performance, there’s a renewed sense of belief in the team. As Pakistan continues to fight on their home turf, this win will be a reminder of what they can achieve when they come together with passion and purpose.
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