Pakistan Secure Historic Home Series Victory

Grassroots Cricket|

The third Test between Pakistan and England at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium ended in triumph for the hosts as they clinched a memorable series victory, marking their first home Test series win since 2021.

After winning the toss, England opted to bat, beginning well with a 56-run opening stand, only for Pakistan’s bowlers to quickly turn the game in their favor.

Day one belonged to Pakistan’s Sajid Khan, who delivered a brilliant six-wicket haul to dismantle England for 267. After Zak Crawley’s dismissal by Noman Ali in the 14th over, they struggled to recover. The middle order collapsed, losing five wickets within just 13.2 overs to fall to 118-6, with key players like Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Harry Brook dismissed for low scores.

A late seventh-wicket partnership between Smith and Atkinson, worth 105 runs, gave England some much-needed stability, but Pakistan’s spinners ultimately finished the job. Sajid Khan’s six wickets and Noman Ali’s support restricted England to a first-innings score of 267. By stumps on day one, Pakistan trailed by 194 runs, having reached 73-3 with Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel at the crease.

Pakistan’s batting was anchored by Saud Shakeel after a top order collapse. Saud’s impressive 134 off 223 balls laid the foundation for a strong lead. Saud formed a crucial partnership with Noman Ali, while Sajid Khan’s rapid 48 off 48 balls propelled Pakistan past England’s total, ending their innings at 344 with a 77-run lead. Rehan Ahmed took four wickets for England, and Gus Atkinson contributed with two.

In England’s second innings, Pakistan’s spinners immediately made an impact. Sajid Khan dismissed Ben Duckett for 12 in the fifth over, while Noman Ali claimed the wickets of Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope soon after, leaving England struggling at 24/3. By the end of day two, England trailed by 53 runs, with play suspended due to poor light.

Day three of the third Test between Pakistan and England saw an emphatic series victory for the hosts as they capitalized on England’s batting collapse to claim their first home Test series win since 2021.

England resumed play at 24/3, trailing Pakistan by 53 runs, but quickly succumbed to the relentless spin duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali. Struggling to build partnerships, England were bowled out for just 112 runs, setting Pakistan a minimal chase of 36.

Pakistan’s chase of the 36-run target began with opener Saim Ayub, who was dismissed by Jack Leach via lbw.

However, skipper Shan Masood took the responsibility to finish the chase, playing a brisk, unbeaten knock of 23 off only 6 balls. Masood’s aggressive cameo, featuring quick boundaries, sealed the series in front of an elated home crowd.

With this victory, Pakistan clinched the series and celebrated their first home Test series triumph since defeating South Africa in February 2021.

 

Brief Scores:

England: 267 & 112 (Jamie Smith 89 (119); Rehan Ahmed 4-66)

Pakistan: 344 & 37/1 (Saud Shakeel 134 (223); Sajid Khan 6-128 & 4-69)

 

Player of the match: Saud Shakeel

Player of the Series: Sajid Khan