Noman stars as Pakistan level Test series against England

Pakistan laid a perfect spin trap against England, as the host level the three-match series thanks to outstanding effort from Noman Ali.

Chasing a 297-run target, England were bowled out for 144 with Noman bagging his career-best figures of 8 for 46 in Multan on Friday.

Sajid Khan, who claimed seven wickets in the first innings, took two wickets in the innings. This was Pakistan’s first home victory since 2021.

Moreover, Pakistan last won a Test on July 27, 2023 when they defeated Sri Lanka by an innings and 222 runs in Colombo. The Men in Green have played 11 Tests at home losing seven and drawing four.

England resumed their inning on day four with 36-2. Sajid removed Ollie Pope (22) in his very first over to trigger England collapse.

Following that, it was all Noman Ali show, who took the remaining seven wickets to seal a historic victory for Pakistan.

For England, skipper Ben Stokes was the top scorer with 37 runs. Brydon Carse contributed 27, Joe Root 18 and Harry Brook 16 runs to the team’s total.

“We felt we were still in the game and came to chase that down,” said Stokes. “Ben Duckett’s first-innings hundred was incredible but then we lost some wickets on day two. When Pakistan were ahead of the game they could really put their foot down. Tough ask for us, but the way we took the game on today was the only way we could win.”

Stokes added that he apologised to his team-mates for losing his rag after the dropped catches last night… “won’t happen again…”