Multan, October 11, 2024 – England clinched a resounding victory over Pakistan, defeating the hosts by an innings and 47 runs on the final day of the first Test at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The dominant win underscored England’s superior performance, leaving Pakistan with much to ponder ahead of the second Test.
Pakistan’s second innings faltered, as the side managed only 220 runs in 54.5 overs. Resuming the final day at 152/6, hopes rested on Salman Ali Agha and Aamer Jamal to guide their team to a competitive total. Agha, aiming for a century, was dismissed for 63 after being trapped leg-before-wicket by Jack Leach. His valiant innings included seven boundaries, but his departure marked the beginning of the end for Pakistan.
Jamal, however, fought on courageously, top-scoring for his side with a gritty 55, laced with five boundaries. But his efforts were not enough to avert the inevitable. Shaheen Shah Afridi contributed 10 runs before falling prey to Leach, while Naseem Shah managed a brief cameo, hitting a towering six before being dismissed for 6 runs.
England’s bowling attack proved lethal, with spinner Jack Leach leading the charge. Leach claimed four wickets on the final day, dismantling Pakistan’s lower order. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse provided valuable support, each taking two wickets, while Chris Woakes chipped in with a solitary dismissal.
Earlier, Pakistan had posted an imposing 556 in their first innings, with skipper Shan Masood leading from the front with a majestic 151. Salman Agha also recorded a century, scoring an unbeaten 104, while Abdullah Shafique contributed 102 runs from 184 balls. Despite their impressive first innings total, Pakistan could not sustain their momentum in the second innings, leaving themselves vulnerable to England’s relentless attack.
England’s first innings, however, proved decisive. The visitors declared at a mammoth 823/7, powered by record-breaking performances from Joe Root and Harry Brook. Root dazzled with a sublime 262, while Brook stole the show with an explosive 317. Their monumental partnership left Pakistan’s bowlers exhausted and demoralized, with only Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Saim Ayub able to secure wickets for the hosts.
The second innings saw Pakistan’s batting order crumble under immense pressure. Shan Masood, after his first innings heroics, could only muster 11 runs. Abdullah Shafique was dismissed for a golden duck by Chris Woakes on the first ball, while Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, and Mohammad Rizwan soon followed, leaving Pakistan reeling at 59/5.
This defeat marks a historic first in cricket, where a team that scored over 500 runs in a Test innings was still vanquished by an innings. England’s clinical performance, led by Ollie Pope’s captaincy and the brilliance of their bowling attack, leaves Pakistan with a steep challenge as they prepare for the next Test.
Playing XI: Pakistan: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmad
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir