Noman Ali (6-42) and Sajid Khan (4-69) once again led Pakistan’s bowling attack, sharing all ten wickets in England’s second innings. Sajid finished with ten wickets in the match. England, starting the day at 24-3, were bowled out for just 112.
England’s struggle against Pakistan’s spin was clear when Ben Stokes (3) was lbw to Noman after leaving a straight ball. Chasing a target of 36 runs, Pakistan reached it quickly in just 3.1 overs. Captain Shan Masood smashed an unbeaten 23 off six balls, sealing the win with a six.
This victory gave Pakistan the series win over England. They had lost the first Test in Multan by an innings and 47 runs, marking their sixth straight defeat under Shan Masood’s captaincy. This also extended their winless run at home since February 2021, including a 3-0 series loss to England in late 2022.
After the heavy loss on a flat pitch, Pakistan made three changes for the second Test on the same surface in Multan. Kamran Ghulam debuted with a century, but it was the introduction of Noman and Sajid that turned the series around. On spin-friendly pitches, the duo took 39 of the 40 England wickets in the last two Tests.
On the final morning in Rawalpindi, Joe Root and Harry Brook added 42 runs but England collapsed again. Brook (26) edged a faster ball from Noman, Stokes misjudged a straight delivery, and Jamie Smith (3) was bowled by Sajid attempting a big shot. Root (33) edged behind to Mohammad Rizwan, and the rest of the batting lineup offered little resistance.
Pakistan lost Saim Ayub for 8 in their chase, but Shan Masood’s aggressive batting ensured a swift victory.
What’s Next for England?
England’s white-ball team will tour the West Indies for three one-day internationals and five T20 matches, starting in Antigua on Thursday, October 31.
Ben Stokes’ Test team will next play in New Zealand for a three-match series beginning in Christchurch on Thursday, November 28.
