RAWALPINDI (WS News) – Mercurial Pakistan trounced England in the second Test match and won the home series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Pakistan have won a home series after almost four years, ending the prolonged drought. This is Pakistan’s victory against a formidable English side after nine years and the first one (against England) at the Pindi stadium.
It was Pakistan’s overall fourth Test series win against England.
Pakistan achieved the target of a paltry 36 in the fourth innings for the loss of one wicket. Saud Shakeel was adjudged player of the match while Sajid Khan was declared player of the series.
Minutes earlier, England were wrapped up for 112 in the second innings of the decisive Test match against Pakistan.
Noman bagged six wickets and Sajid got four scalps, rendering England’s batting helpless through the spin web. Pakistan required 36 runs to win the match and series.
CAPTAIN SHAN MASOOD LAUDS TEAM
A visibly elated Shan Masood, in post-match talk, praised the team especially spinners for coming up with a disciplined performance. He also lauded the English cricket team and stressed that more series between the two teams should be held in future.
FRIDAY’S PROCEEDINGS
On Friday, a much-needed ton by Saud Shakeel and spinning web laid by Sajid Khan and Noman Ali put Pakistan in command as England trailed by 53 run when stumps were drawn on second day of the third Test.
Shakeel played an inning of 134 runs while Noman and Sajid scored 45 and 48, respectively, after Pakistan resumed batting at 73/3. The impressive batting performance helped Pakistan build a 77-run lead against the visitors.
England suffered early blows as they started their second innings as batters were struggling in front of the Pakistani spin duo.
Noman Ali removed opener Zak Crawly for two and Ollie Pope for one while Sajid Khan took a key wicket of Ben Duckett, dismantling the England’s top order.
Joe Root and Harry Brook were on the crease when the day two was wrapped up.
England captain Ben Stokes began the second day with spin from both ends and Saud got a life on 26 when he edged Shoaib Bashir low into the shin of wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.
Lanky off-spinner Bashir would not be denied, however, and removed Pakistan captain Shan for 26, caught in the second slip.
Rehan was brought in somewhat late but did not take long to make his mark, trapping Rizwan lbw for 25. Rizwan burned a review on his way back to the pavilion trying to get the decision reversed.
In his next over, Rehan removed Salman Agha in the same fashion and went on to fox Aamer Jamal with a googly, which the batter could only glove to his stumps.
Pakistan were bowled out for 344 runs.
