In a display of sheer dominance, Pakistan’s spin attack tore through England’s batting lineup, securing a resounding 152-run victory in the second Test at Multan. This decisive win leveled the three-match series at 1-1, setting the stage for a thrilling final encounter.
The Multan Cricket Stadium witnessed a masterful performance from Pakistan’s spinners, who exploited the turning pitch to perfection. Noman Ali, the hero of the day, delivered a career-defining spell, claiming an astonishing eight wickets for just 46 runs. His relentless accuracy and ability to extract bounce from the surface proved too much for the English batsmen.
England, set a target of 297 for victory, resumed their innings at 36-2, facing a daunting task. However, their hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed as the Pakistani spinners continued their relentless assault. Vice-captain Ollie Pope fell early, giving off-spinner Sajid Khan a return catch in the second over of the day. Noman then proceeded to dismantle the English middle order, trapping Joe Root lbw for 18, and later dismissing Harry Brook in similar fashion. England’s batting order crumbled, with Jamie Smith also falling prey to Noman, leaving them teetering at 88-6.
England’s hopes rested on the shoulders of their captain, Ben Stokes, who has a reputation for delivering match-defining knocks. However, even Stokes’s brilliance was not enough to overcome the relentless spin attack. In a bid to accelerate, Stokes went down the track to Noman and swung his bat, only for the ball to fly out of his hands to midwicket. Mohammad Rizwan, the Pakistani wicketkeeper, collected the ball with ease and whipped off the bails, leaving Stokes stranded well out of his crease.
With Stokes’s dismissal, England’s resistance finally broke. They were all out for 144 in the morning session of the fourth day, leaving the Pakistani team celebrating a dominant victory.
This series has showcased a thrilling battle between bat and ball. The third and final Test, set to begin in Rawalpindi on Thursday, promises to be an equally captivating encounter. Pakistan will be looking to carry their momentum into the final Test, while England will be desperate to salvage the series with a victory.