Pakistan defeat England to break home drought and level the series

Bold selection decisions and a spin-friendly pitch in Multan enabled Pakistan to conclude their winless streak at home with a series-tying victory against England in the second Test on Friday.

Pakistan's triumph by 152 runs, achieved in just over three days, marks their first home win since defeating South Africa in Rawalpindi in February 2021.

This victory, the first under the captaincy of Shan Masood, alleviated some of the despondency that had enveloped the team following a 2-0 series defeat at home to Bangladesh.

The selectors' courageous decisions were pivotal, especially after England had handed Pakistan an innings defeat in the series opener, also held in Multan.

In response to that heavy loss, Pakistan made the bold choice to drop batter Babar Azam and pacers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi, both of whom had been underperforming recently.

Fortunately, this strategy proved effective.

Kamran Ghulam, who replaced Babar, made an immediate impact by scoring an impressive century in his debut Test's first innings.

"It is never easy to step in for one of the world's top batters," Shan remarked regarding Kamran, who faced criticism on social media prior to his first match.

"I encountered some truly harsh comments even before he played. I cannot fathom the pressure he must have felt.

"However, we all supported him, and from the outset, he appeared to fit right in."

Pakistan's strategy to employ a spin-dominant attack, with Aamer Jamal as the sole seam option, also yielded positive results on a turning surface at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

The outstanding partnership of off-spinner Sajid Khan and left-arm spinner Noman Ali was instrumental, as they collectively claimed all 20 England wickets in a remarkable exhibition of spin bowling on a conducive pitch.

Their exceptional performance was such that Shan did not need to utilize a third bowler during England's second innings, which lasted 33.3 overs.

Additionally, Pakistan's lower-order batsmen contributed valuable runs in this low-scoring match, placing the team in a commanding position.

England spinners Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir were instrumental in taking wickets; however, their batting lineup appeared uncomfortable against the turning ball.

Chasing a target of 297 on a deteriorating pitch was always a formidable task, and England succumbed to a mere 144 runs, losing eight wickets during the morning session on Friday.

The team lamented two missed catches early in Salman Agha's innings, which permitted the batter to accumulate crucial runs alongside the Pakistan tailenders.

Despite the challenges, England captain Ben Stokes found some positives, particularly in the performance of his fast bowlers Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts, who operated on a pitch that provided minimal assistance.

"In such conditions, the spinners often receive significant attention, but I was impressed by how Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse consistently charged in, delivering spell after spell and generating considerable pressure... that is what is desired," Stokes remarked.

"We place great importance on attitude, and this week, Brydon and Matthew Potts certainly exemplified that..."

SportsLigue