Multan
Noman Ali and Sajid Khan starred with the ball, claiming all 20 wickets as Pakistan defeated England by 152 runs in the second Test on Friday, marking a long-awaited home victory. On a spin-friendly pitch, left-arm spinner Ali took 8 wickets for 46 runs, finishing with a match haul of 11 wickets, while off-spinner Khan contributed with 2 for 93 runs, adding to his first-innings figures of 7 for 111.
Set a challenging target of 297 runs, England was bowled out for 144 in the first session of Day 4. This victory is particularly significant for captain Shan Masud, who ended an 11-match winless streak at home, including four losses to England.
Resuming on 36 for 2, England struggled against Pakistan’s spin attack. Khan took an early wicket, dismissing Ollie Pope with a return catch, and Ali quickly followed up by taking the remaining seven wickets. Captain Ben Stokes top-scored for England with 37 runs before being stumped in a bizarre fashion, losing his bat while charging down the wicket.
Brydon Carse added some entertainment with three sixes, scoring 27 runs, but England’s batting collapsed against the turning ball. The series-deciding third Test will commence on coming Thursday in Rawalpindi, following England’s first Test win by an innings and 47 runs last week.
