Multan, October 18, 2024 – Pakistan leveled the Test series 1-1 against England with a commanding victory on the fourth day of the second Test in Multan. Spin duo Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan delivered match-winning performances, securing a memorable win for the hosts.
Nauman Ali was the standout bowler, claiming an impressive eight wickets in England’s second innings, while Sajid Khan chipped in with two wickets, bringing their combined efforts to a successful conclusion. Pakistan’s spinners dominated from the first innings, ensuring the home side wouldn’t go winless this time around.
England began day four with hopes of executing their aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, but Pakistan’s spinners quickly dismantled their plans. England, resuming at 50-2, lost Ollie Pope (22) early in the day, bowled by Sajid Khan in just the second over. Shortly after, Nauman dismissed England’s key player, Joe Root, for just 18 runs, weakening the visitors’ resolve.
Despite the early setbacks, England’s Harry Brook, the hero of the first Test with a triple century, took the crease hoping to stabilize the innings. However, Nauman struck again, removing Brook for just 16 runs. With Brook’s dismissal, the pressure mounted on England captain Ben Stokes, who was returning from an injury.
Stokes, determined to fight back, formed a 37-run partnership with Brandon Carse, offering a glimmer of hope for England. However, Nauman’s relentless left-arm spin delivered a crucial breakthrough. Stokes, looking solid on 44, stepped out of his crease to play a ball but lost his balance and dropped his bat. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan swiftly stumped him, leaving England in disarray.
From that point, Nauman wrapped up England’s tail quickly, finishing with career-best bowling figures of 8-46 in 16.3 overs. Sajid Khan added two wickets to take his tally to nine for the match, sealing Pakistan’s victory by a convincing margin. England was bowled out for 194, leaving Pakistan with a series-leveling win.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan posted 366 in their first innings, led by Salman Ali Agha’s 63 runs in the second innings. In response, England was bowled out for 291, trailing by 75 runs. Jack Leach was England’s most successful bowler, taking seven wickets across both innings, while Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts also contributed with key dismissals.
With the series now tied 1-1, both teams will look to the third and final Test to claim the series victory.
Pakistan Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mehmood
England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wk), Brydon Carse, Matt Potts, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir