In a gripping Test match at the Multan Cricket Stadium, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali propelled Pakistan to a long-awaited home victory. They took all 20 wickets against England, marking a monumental win in Pakistan’s cricket history.
Match Summary
| Key Events | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Pitch Condition | The Multan pitch, unpredictable after nine days of cricket, had become a nightmare for the England side. |
| Target for Pakistan | Pakistan needed to take eight wickets for under 261 runs to secure victory. |
| Key Performers | Sajid Khan and Noman Ali claimed all 20 wickets, an extraordinary feat for any Test team. |
| England’s Resistance | England’s strong batting lineup, including Joe Root and Ollie Pope, could not withstand Pakistan’s spin attack. |
Early Struggles and Pressure
Heading into the match, Pakistan hadn’t won a home Test in four years. Despite their history of letting commanding positions slip, there was optimism this time around. Pakistan’s recent defeats to Australia and Bangladesh weighed heavily, but the energy in Multan was palpable as fans filled the stands in anticipation.
Salman Ali Agha’s words resonated as he emphasized the importance of ending the winless streak: “It’s going to be massive, because we haven’t won a Test match at home for years.”
The Role of Sajid and Noman
The heroics began with Sajid Khan taking key wickets early on. His dismissal of Ollie Pope in the second over of the day set the tone for Pakistan’s relentless assault. Noman Ali soon followed, ripping through the England lineup and leaving no chance for a comeback.
Both spinners had been overlooked in earlier matches, with Noman even released from the squad just before the first Test. But as fate would have it, they were recalled, and their performance cemented their place in Pakistan’s cricket lore. Noman’s eight-wicket haul in the final innings crushed England’s hopes, securing an emotional win for Pakistan,
England’s Battle
England’s batting lineup, filled with stars like Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Ben Stokes, could not cope with Pakistan’s spin attack. Despite their efforts to reverse sweep and counter Pakistan’s spinners, they were no match for Sajid and Noman’s precision.
The English side, which had dominated earlier in the series, was dismantled in just under two hours on the final day. Ben Stokes tried to rally his side, but Noman’s persistent strikes ensured that any hope of an English comeback was short-lived.
Historic Significance
For Pakistan, this victory goes beyond just winning a Test. It marks the end of a drought that had lasted far too long for a team with such a rich sports history. The duo of Sajid and Noman etched their names in history by sharing all 20 wickets, a rare accomplishment only seen once before in Test cricket.
The emotional win also rekindled the hope of Pakistani fans, who had been yearning for a home victory for nearly four years. As the iconic song Aakhian Udeek Diyan played through the stadium, the joy and relief in the air were tangible,
This Test win reaffirms the unpredictable nature of Pakistan cricket—where volatility often breeds moments of brilliance. With this victory, Pakistan can finally celebrate, knowing they have the players to deliver under pressure, even in the absence of their usual match-winners,
