RAWALPINDI: Pakistan quickly chased down the remaining 36 runs after the innings break to win the third Test and clinch the series against England.
This marked Pakistan’s first Test series win over England in nine years, with their last victory coming in 2015 when they played in the UAE. Saturday’s win also secured the first series win for Pakistan captain Shan Masood.
Pakistan’s victory was powered by outstanding performances from bowlers Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, who took nine and ten wickets respectively across both innings. Saim Ayub got Pakistan off to a flying start, hitting two consecutive fours in the first over.
However, Ayub was dismissed shortly after in the third over, given out lbw to a delivery from Jack Leach. Initially ruled not out, the decision was overturned on review, showing the ball would have hit the stumps.
Captain Shan Masood then entered with an aggressive intent, striking fours on his first three balls, including a beautiful reverse sweep. Masood’s quick succession of boundaries put Pakistan on the brink of victory.
On the first ball of the fourth over, Masood sealed the win with a six, bringing his personal score to 23 runs off just six deliveries and securing Pakistan’s series victory over England.
HISTORY
The last time Pakistan won a Test series was during their tour of Sri Lanka in July 2023, where Noman Ali was also the top wicket-taker with ten wickets across two matches. In this series, Noman continued his form, taking 20 wickets, including 11 in the second Test and nine in the third. Sajid Khan closely followed with 19 wickets, including nine in the second Test and ten in the third.
Pakistan’s last home series win was in 2021, when they defeated South Africa in two consecutive Tests.
AWARDS
Saud Shakeel was named Player of the Match for his exceptional batting in Pakistan’s first innings, scoring 134 runs off 223 balls, including five fours.
Sajid Khan was awarded Player of the Series for his impressive bowling and crucial runs near the end of Pakistan’s innings. Over the series, he took 19 wickets and contributed 72 runs.