Fri Oct 18 09:52:07 UTC 2024: ## Pakistan Spinners Humiliate England, Level Series in Thrilling Test

**Multan, Pakistan:** Pakistan’s spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan delivered a masterclass in spin bowling, taking all 20 English wickets to level the series at 1-1. The victory, achieved in dramatic fashion on a deteriorating pitch, gives Pakistan a chance to claim a historic series win in the final Test in Rawalpindi.

Noman Ali, who was recalled to the side after a period of absence, was the architect of England’s collapse, finishing with 11 wickets in the match, including a stunning 8-46 in the second innings. Sajid Khan, the other spinner, also impressed with a match haul of nine wickets, including a crucial seven-wicket haul in the first innings.

England, who were seemingly in control after Ben Duckett’s century in the first innings, were undone by the relentless spin and their own aggressive, albeit risky, approach of using reverse sweeps against the spinners.

“Winning the toss was undoubtedly a major factor in Pakistan’s win,” said Asad Ahmad, a cricket analyst. “But had England batted better in their first innings and taken their catches in Pakistan’s second they could have won the match. The win is down to a mixture of winning the toss, good cricket by Pakistan and a subpar performance by England.”

The victory was Pakistan’s first Test win at home in over 1000 days and a significant boost for a team that has faced recent struggles. Captain Shan Masood, who won his first Test match as captain, highlighted the team’s hunger and determination to turn things around.

“The first one is always special,” said Masood. “It’s come after some hard times, some rough times. For the boys to step in, to work together, to come up with a strategy to pick up 20 wickets, that’s the most important thing.”

While the nature of the victory, achieved on a turning pitch that was heavily favoring spin, raised questions about its true significance, the series is now poised for a thrilling climax in Rawalpindi. England will be hoping for a more consistent performance in the final Test, while Pakistan will be aiming for a series win that would be a significant statement of their return to the top tier of Test cricket.

Read More