Pakistan’s Historic Victory in a thrilling comeback. Pakistan secured a remarkable 152-run victory over England in the second Test of the 2024 England tour of Pakistan, played in Multan from October 15 to 19. This emphatic win not only leveled the two-match Test series 1-1 but also marked Pakistan’s first home Test victory in over three years.
Match Summary: Pakistan’s Dominant Performance
Pakistan’s First Innings
Pakistan set the tone with an impressive first-innings score of 366, powered by a superb century from Kamran Ghulam, who scored 118 off 224 balls. His composed batting, supported by Saim Ayub’s 77, helped Pakistan build a solid foundation. Salman Agha and Mohammad Rizwan chipped in with valuable middle-order runs.
England’s Jack Leach was the standout bowler, claiming 4 wickets for 114 runs to slow Pakistan’s progress.
England’s First Innings
In response, England managed 291 runs, largely due to a brilliant century from Ben Duckett, who scored 114 off 129 balls. However, Pakistan’s spin attack, led by Sajid Khan, tore through England’s lineup. Sajid’s spectacular bowling figures of 7/111 left England trailing by 75 runs after the first innings.
Pakistan’s Second Innings
Pakistan added 221 runs in their second innings, setting England a challenging target of 297. Salman Agha, once again, played a crucial role by scoring 63. Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir shared the bowling honors for England, taking 7 wickets between them.
England’s Second Innings
England collapsed under pressure, managing only 144 runs in their second innings. Noman Ali’s devastating bowling figures of 8/46 were the highlight of the match, as he single-handedly dismantled England’s batting order. Sajid Khan contributed with 2 wickets, bringing England’s innings to a premature close at just 33.3 overs.
Pakistan’s Historic Victory: Ends a Three-Year Wait
This victory was monumental for Pakistan as it marked their first home Test win since their 2021 series victory against South Africa. The spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan was instrumental in this triumph. Noman’s extraordinary 8-wicket haul in the final innings was the standout performance, cementing Pakistan’s dominance in this Test match.
Pakistan’s ability to bounce back from their defeat in the first Test was a testament to their fighting spirit. After losing the first Test, many doubted their chances, but Pakistan’s spin attack, coupled with crucial contributions from their middle order, changed the course of the series.
Key Performances
- Kamran Ghulam: 118 (1st innings)
- Saim Ayub: 77 (1st innings)
- Sajid Khan: 7/111 (1st innings)
- Salman Agha: 63 (2nd innings)
- Noman Ali: 8/46 (2nd innings)
Looking Ahead: Momentum for Future Series
Pakistan’s historic victory in the second Test gives them the momentum they need for future challenges. With key players like Noman Ali and Sajid Khan stepping up when needed most, Pakistan will now focus on capitalizing on this performance in upcoming series.
For Pakistan, this victory is not only a morale booster but also a statement of intent as they aim to climb the Test rankings. Meanwhile, England will have to reflect on their performance, particularly their inability to handle Pakistan’s potent spin attack.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s historic victory in the 2nd Test against England was a defining moment in their cricketing journey. With a stunning 152-run win, they leveled the series and celebrated their first home Test series win in three years. As the team prepares for more international matches, the performances of their spinners and middle-order batters will be crucial in future successes.
