In a remarkable achievement, Pakistan has won a Test series on home soil for the first time in three years, defeating England 2-1 in a thrilling series finale. The decisive victory came on October 26, 2024, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where Pakistan’s spinners dominated the match.
Dominant Performance by Spinners
Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, showcased exceptional skill, leading the team to a comprehensive nine-wicket win in the third and final Test. Noman claimed 6 wickets for 42 runs, while Sajid took 4 for 69, helping to bundle out England for just 112 runs in their second innings.
Key Moments of the Match
Starting with a first-innings lead of 77 runs, Pakistan put themselves in a strong position early on. They required only 36 runs to secure the series victory after England’s batting collapse. Although Pakistan lost the wicket of Saim Ayub, the team swiftly closed in on victory.
Captain Shan Masood played a pivotal role, hitting four consecutive fours off Jack Leach and sealing the win with a six off Shoaib Bashir.
Spin Strategy Pays Off
Pakistan’s spin attack proved to be a game-changer, as the duo of Noman and Sajid accounted for 19 of England’s 20 wickets in the match. Remarkably, Pakistan did not utilize their fast bowler, Aamer Jamal, indicating the spin-friendly nature of the pitch. Together, Noman and Sajid claimed 39 of the 40 English wickets across the final two Tests since their selection mid-series.
England’s Struggles
England, resuming their second innings at 24-3, struggled to cope with Pakistan’s relentless spin attack. Only Joe Root managed to build a semblance of resistance with a score of 33 before falling to Noman. The dismissal of England captain Ben Stokes, who was trapped lbw by Noman, encapsulated the team’s disappointing performance.
Historical Significance
This series win marks Pakistan’s first Test series victory at home since they defeated South Africa 2-0 three years ago. The triumph not only boosts the team’s morale but also reaffirms their prowess on home turf.
With this victory, Pakistan cricket fans have much to celebrate as their team continues to build momentum and confidence for future challenges.
