In a thrilling turn of events during the ongoing Test match, Sajid Khan, Pakistan’s rising star, etched his name in the history books by becoming the first Pakistani off-spinner to take a five-wicket haul in a Test innings after Saqlain Mushtaq. His incredible feat came against England on Day 3 of the match, with Pakistan fighting to keep the opposition’s batting lineup in check.
The 30-year-old spinner bowled precisely and skill, dismantling England’s top and middle order. Sajid’s victims included some of England’s most formidable batters, starting with the crucial wicket of Ollie Pope, who was clean-bowled for 29 off 37 balls. Pope’s solid start was abruptly ended by Sajid’s sharp turn, breaking the partnership that was beginning to gain momentum.
Sajid then claimed the wicket of Joe Root, one of the most prolific batters in modern-day cricket. Root, who had settled into a rhythm, contributing 34 runs from 54 deliveries, was undone by Sajid’s deceptive spin. Root’s dismissal was a turning point, giving Pakistan the upper hand.
Harry Brook, another dangerous middle-order batter, fell to Sajid’s bowling after scoring 9 runs off 9 balls, once again showcasing the spinner’s control over the game. His fourth wicket came in the form of Brydon Carse, who struggled to 4 runs off 29 balls before being caught by Saud Shakeel.
However, the highlight of Sajid’s spell was his relentless pressure on Ben Duckett, who had anchored England’s innings with a superb 114 runs off 129 deliveries. Duckett’s marathon knock was cut short when he edged a delivery to Agha Salman, giving Sajid his much-deserved five-wicket haul.
This brilliant performance marked Sajid Khan’s first-ever five-for in Test cricket, and what made it more special was that he became the first off-spinner from Pakistan to achieve such a feat. His spell placed Pakistan in a commanding position and reignited the hopes of turning the match in their favor.
Sajid Khan’s spell ended with remarkable figures of 5 wickets for just 58 runs, and he played a pivotal role in restricting England to 250/7 at the end of the first session. This achievement cements his place as a key figure in Pakistan’s bowling attack, and fans are excited to see more of his magic in the future.
This historic moment will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s cricket history, as Sajid Khan continues to rise as a formidable force in Test cricket.
