Pakistan’s Spin Mastery Stuns England in Second Test Collapse: Series Level 1-1

England faced a stunning defeat in the second Test against Pakistan, collapsing in their second innings as Pakistan’s spin bowlers Sajid Khan and Noman Ali took control. England, chasing 297, never threatened the target, ultimately falling short by 152 runs. With this victory, Pakistan leveled the three-match series 1-1, setting up a thrilling finale in Rawalpindi.

Starting day four at 36-2, England quickly found themselves in deep trouble. Pakistan’s spinners, Sajid Khan (2-93) and Noman Ali (8-46), dismantled England’s middle order, reducing them to 88-6. England’s struggles against spin were evident as they lost four crucial wickets within the first 40 minutes of play. Ollie Pope (22) was the first to fall, caught and bowled by Sajid Khan off his second ball of the day.

England’s star batter Joe Root (18) and Harry Brook (16) both fell victim to left-arm spinner Noman Ali, with the on-field umpire giving them out lbw after Pakistan successfully reviewed both decisions. England’s last hopes of mounting a chase faded with these wickets, as their batting order crumbled under relentless pressure from the spinners.

Scorecard Highlights:

• Pakistan’s first innings: 366 all out (Kamran Ghulam 118, Saim Ayub 77; Jack Leach 4-114)
• England’s first innings: 291 all out (Ben Duckett 114, Joe Root 34; Sajid Khan 7-111)
• Pakistan’s second innings: 221 all out (Salman Ali Agha 63; Shoaib Bashir 4-66, Jack Leach 3-67)
• England’s second innings: 144 all out (Ben Stokes 37; Noman Ali 8-46, Sajid Khan 2-93)

Pakistan’s victory came on the back of a spinning pitch that gave their bowlers plenty of assistance, especially on day four. Noman Ali’s brilliant performance, finishing with 8-46, dismantled England’s batting lineup. He wrapped up the innings by dismissing Jack Leach (1) and Shoaib Bashir (0) with consecutive deliveries, sealing a memorable victory for Pakistan.

Brief Resistance from England
Although England’s top and middle orders faltered, Ben Stokes (37) and Brydon Carse (27) offered a brief glimmer of hope. They added 37 runs together, taking England past 100, but their resistance was short-lived. Pakistan’s spinners, using the pitch to their advantage, made sure England never recovered.

Captain Ben Stokes’ departure epitomized England’s chaotic innings. In a bizarre moment, Stokes lost his grip on his bat while attempting a big shot, and he was stumped by Mohammad Rizwan, leaving England in disarray. Brydon Carse tried to counterattack by hitting three sixes but ultimately edged a ball from Noman Ali to Salman Ali Agha at slip, exhausting England’s final review.

England’s last three wickets fell in quick succession, with Noman Ali’s ten-wicket haul marking Pakistan’s first Test victory over England since 2015.

Pakistan Ends Home Win Drought
This victory held special significance for Pakistan, as it marked their first Test win on home soil since defeating South Africa in 2021. The three-year, eight-month drought ended in dramatic fashion, with the City of Shrines, Multan, witnessing an extraordinary contest. Pakistan’s spinners were the stars of the match, ensuring the victory and keeping the series alive.

For England, this defeat was their tenth under the Bazball regime, a strategy championed by captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum. Despite their positive approach to cricket, they failed to overcome the challenges presented by Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack on a deteriorating pitch.

Looking Ahead to the Final Test
With the series now tied 1-1, all eyes turn to the third and final Test in Rawalpindi. Both teams have shown their strengths and weaknesses, and the deciding match promises to be an exciting conclusion to this competitive series. For England, solving their issues against spin will be crucial, while Pakistan will look to build on their impressive performance, particularly from their bowlers.

The stage is set for a thrilling finale, with everything to play for in the Rawalpindi Test.