Rawalpindi
Pakistan celebrated a historic Test series victory, beating England by 9 wickets in the third Test to secure a 2-1 win on Saturday. This marks Pakistan’s first home series win in over three years and ends a four-series drought on home soil.
The star performers for Pakistan were spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, who dismantled England’s batting lineup. Noman took 6 wickets for 42 runs, while Sajid claimed 4 wickets for 69, as England were bowled out for just 112 runs in their second innings on Day 3.
Earlier in the match, England had set a competitive total of 267 in their first innings, led by Jamie Smith (89) and Gus Atkinson (39). In response, Pakistan’s vice-captain Saud Shakeel played a brilliant knock, scoring 134 runs from 223 balls, helping Pakistan post 344 runs. Contributions from tail-enders Noman (48) and Sajid (48) proved crucial.
With a small target of 36 runs to win, Pakistan lost Saim Ayub early to Jack Leach, but Abdullah Shafique and captain Shan Masood guided the team to victory. Masood sealed the win in style by hitting a six.
England, who had dominated the series opener in Multan with a victory by an innings and 47 runs, struggled in the final Test. Despite efforts from Joe Root (33) and Harry Brook (26), their second innings collapsed. Pakistan’s win was made possible by the impressive performances of Noman and Sajid, who turned the game around, leaving England with no chance of recovery.
BOX
Brief Scores: England 267 & 112 (Joe Root 33; Noman Ali 6-42)
Pakistan 344 & 37/1 (Shan Masood 23).
