October 26, 2024: In a historic Test series win, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan delivered a memorable performance to secure Pakistan’s 9-wicket victory over England in the third Test, marking a 2-1 series triumph on home soil in Rawalpindi. This win ended a three-year drought for Pakistan, who hadn’t celebrated a home Test series victory in four previous series.
After England’s early series dominance with an innings and 47-run victory in Multan, led by Joe Root and Harry Brook, Pakistan’s resilience in the third Test turned the series around.
On Day 3, Root and Brook initially steadied England’s innings, but it was only a matter of time before Noman Ali and Sajid Khan dismantled the lineup. Both spinners expertly exploited the pitch, making decisive inroads with exceptional spin and trajectory that ultimately left England reeling.
England’s batting faltered, managing only 112 runs in their second innings. Noman shone with a remarkable 6/42, while Sajid claimed a crucial 4-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 4/69. Pakistan was left with a small target of 36 to chase. Despite losing Saim Ayub to Jack Leach, Abdullah Shafique and captain Shan Masood calmly secured the win, with Masood finishing the game in style by hitting a six.
In the first innings, Jamie Smith (89) and Gus Atkinson (39) gave England a competitive total of 267. However, Saud Shakeel’s gritty 134 and vital late-order contributions from Noman (48) and Sajid (48*) gave Pakistan a substantial lead, posting 344 in response.
This series win not only signifies Pakistan’s return to form in Test cricket but also highlights the growing prowess of their spin attack on home pitches, a promising sign for future Test encounters.
