Pakistan roared back in the second Test of the series, levelling the contest with a resounding victory over England. After suffering an innings defeat in the first Test, Pakistan’s overhaul in team composition and strategy paid off brilliantly, with a 263-run target successfully defended by their dynamic spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan.
For the first time since 1987, two Pakistani spinners took five-wicket hauls in the same match, with Noman Ali grabbing 11 wickets and Sajid Khan claiming 9 wickets. Their combined effort saw them dismantle England’s batting line-up, picking up all 20 wickets in the match. This victory marks the seventh instance in Pakistan’s Test history where two spinners have achieved five-wicket hauls in a single match, reaffirming Pakistan’s dominance on spin-friendly tracks.
Radical Changes Pay Off for Pakistan
Pakistan entered the second Test with a bold strategy. Following an innings defeat in the first match, the selection committee was revamped, and the team underwent significant changes. Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi were dropped, and the XI was stacked with spinners. The decision to play on the same pitch used in the first Test raised eyebrows, but it ultimately proved to be a masterstroke.
Kamran Ghulam’s gritty debut century played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s first innings total, laying a solid foundation for their bowlers. His contribution allowed Pakistan to post a competitive score of 300, giving their spinners a sufficient cushion to work with.
Sajid’s Magic and Noman’s Guile: 20 Wickets, 1 Glorious Victory
England, led by Ben Duckett’s magnificent century, looked comfortable at one stage, but Sajid Khan’s introduction on Day 2 turned the game on its head. His late spell on the second day triggered a collapse, putting Pakistan firmly in control. England’s initial promising start gave way to a complete batting collapse in the face of relentless spin, with Sajid’s craft and Noman Ali’s precision weaving a web around the English batsmen.
Pakistan secured a crucial 75-run lead after their first innings, thanks to Salman Ali Agha’s fifty in the second innings.
His 56 allowed Pakistan to set a challenging target of 263 for England, and the spinners were quick to make an impact in the final innings. Sajid Khan removed Ollie Pope in just the second over of Day 4, and Noman Ali dominated after that. The English batsmen’s attempts to sweep and reverse sweep proved to be a risky strategy on the turning track, and they faltered under the pressure.
England Falter Under Spin Pressure
Ben Stokes was England’s standout in the final innings, using sweeps and reverse sweeps to counter the spinners. However, his tactic backfired when he was stumped after stepping out of his crease. Brydon Carse provided some resistance, striking three sixes, but the rest of the team crumbled. England lost all 10 wickets for just 101 runs, folding within 34 overs on the final day.
A Series Decider Awaits in Rawalpindi
With this comprehensive victory, Pakistan has levelled the series 1-1, and the action now shifts to Rawalpindi for the final Test. The key question is: Will spinners continue to rule the roost, or will Rawalpindi’s pitch offer something different? The series decider promises to be a gripping encounter, with both teams having plenty at stake. The third and final Test commences on Thursday, 24th October, and fans can expect more thrilling action as these two competitive teams battle it out.
