Pakistan defeated England by 2-1 in a gripping three-match Test series, securing a long-awaited home victory. The triumph, which took place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, marks Pakistan’s first home Test series win in over three and a half years.

Pakistan’s spinners dominated throughout the match, particularly in England’s second innings, where Noman Ali and Sajid Khan wreaked havoc.

Noman claimed 6 wickets for just 42 runs, while Sajid contributed with 4 wickets for 69 runs, helping to dismiss England for a mere 112 runs. This collapse left Pakistan needing just 36 runs to seal the series.

After resuming their second innings at 24-3, England fell quickly to Pakistan’s spin attack. Joe Root was the only English batsman to make a notable contribution, scoring 33 runs in an otherwise dismal performance.

Pakistan lost the wicket of Saim Ayub but quickly chased down the target in just 3.1 overs, with captain Shan Masood finishing unbeaten on 23.

In a remarkable statistic, Noman and Sajid took 19 of the 20 England wickets throughout the match, illustrating the spin-friendly conditions that rendered Pakistan’s sole fast bowler, Aamir Jamal, unused.

Starting from 24-3 overnight, Harry Brook and Joe Root began their innings with confidence. However, Brook’s edge off Noman triggered a dramatic collapse, with England losing seven wickets for just 46 runs. Ben Stokes’ poor decision to play no shot and get dismissed LBW to Noman, along with Jamie Smith’s reckless charge at Sajid, were notably poor moments. Root’s departure for 33, after edging one to Noman, dashed England’s remaining hopes.

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