Pakistan have secured a comprehensive 9-wicket victory against England in the third and final Test, clinching the series 2-1. The win was powered by the exceptional performances of spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, who wreaked havoc on England’s batting line-up across both innings.
England’s struggles against spin in first innings
After electing to bat first, England managed to post 267 runs on the board, with contributions from Zak Crawley (29), Harry Brook (51), and Jamie Smith (89). However, they struggled to handle Pakistan’s spin attack. Sajid was the chief destroyer, claiming six wickets for 128 runs, while Noman provided excellent support with three wickets. England’s middle-order collapsed as Sajid and Noman exploited the conditions to perfection, leaving England unable to build any significant partnerships.
Pakistan’s strong response with the bat
In reply, Pakistan took a crucial 77-run lead by scoring 344 in their first innings. The top-order failed to capitalize, but the middle and lower-order contributions were vital. Saud Shakeel (134) led the way with a commanding century, supported by a gritty 48* from Sajid, who also impressed with the ball. England’s bowlers struggled to find consistent breakthroughs, with Shoaib Bashir (3 wickets) and Rehan Ahmed (4 wickets) being the pick of the bowlers.
England collapse in the second innings
England’s second innings was a disaster, as they were bowled out for just 112 runs. Noman led the charge, taking six wickets and dismantling England’s batting unit. Sajid was again brilliant, taking four wickets, including crucial scalps like Ben Stokes and Jamie. The spinners dominated, and none of the English batters could withstand their consistent pressure, as Noman and Sajid combined for all 10 wickets.
Also WATCH: PAK vs ENG – Shoaib Bashir traps Shaan Masood with his spin magic on Day 2 of the third Test
Pakistan chase down the paltry target easily
Chasing a small target of 36, Pakistan lost Saim Ayub early, but Abdullah Shafique (5*) and skipper Shan Masood (23*) steered the team home comfortably in just 3.1 overs, sealing a 9-wicket win. The series victory highlighted Pakistan’s dominance at home, particularly their effective use of spin bowling.
This victory gave Pakistan a 2-1 series win, reflecting their resilience after losing the first Test. The team’s spinners, led by Sajid and Noman, played a pivotal role throughout the series. England, meanwhile, will need to reassess their approach against spin after succumbing to heavy defeats in the second and third Tests.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Pakistan required just 19 balls to chase down the target, winning the match and clinching the series! 🙌🇵🇰
Scorecard: https://t.co/KZy76OPc1b#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/fo86g6mK58
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 26, 2024
The last time a Test match produced a result on Pakistan soil inside three days was Pak vs NZ in Lahore in 2002. After that 39 Tests in Pakistan lasted more than three days.
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) October 26, 2024
Alhamdulillah! 🇵🇰🔥 What an incredible series win against England! So proud of the boys, especially our spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali – 39 wickets between them in the last two Tests! Couldn’t be more prouder of the boys and this team effort! 💚🏆 #PakistanZindabad pic.twitter.com/5BLgdWlOuz
— Hassan Ali 🇵🇰 (@RealHa55an) October 26, 2024
Two faces Sajid khan & Noman Ali with star impactful performances brought home series win for Pakistan after more than 3 years. More importantly their performances exposed many faces… pic.twitter.com/rioe1uFXnm
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) October 26, 2024
Remarkable numbers for Pakistan’s spinners:
Noman Ali 20-277
Sajid Khan 19-401#PAKvENG #Cricket pic.twitter.com/PeJw27vW3k— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) October 26, 2024
Rendered not fit, left in the wilderness, as they circumstance is the handmaiden of need, brought back Sajid Khan & Noman Ali delivered, 181 overs to pick up 39 wickets in two Tests.
It’s just a wow! @iRashidLatif68 @krick3r pic.twitter.com/ptIHOV9I2J
— Dr. Nauman Niaz (@DrNaumanNiaz) October 26, 2024
Spinners of a team bowling every ball of a Test
Bangladesh🇧🇩 v WI at Dhaka, 2018
Pakistan🇵🇰 v ENG at Rawalpindi, 2024 pic.twitter.com/LMFSdCsPuM— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) October 26, 2024
Pakistan defeated England by 9 wickets in the 3rd Test 👏🏏
– First Test home series win for Pakistan since 2021 🙌#cricket #PAKvENG #pakistancricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/KcJO4FjVBJ
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 26, 2024
They didn’t play the first Test, but boy, did they make an impact!!!
England had NO answers! #PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/QUtMgQXCYw
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) October 26, 2024
Sajid Khan & Noman Ali pic.twitter.com/ASq1FIHvWU
— Muskan. (@Mussskey) October 25, 2024
Sajid Khan and Noman Ali under Aqib Javed pic.twitter.com/x74iVw0JT8
— Abdullah (@abdullahhammad4) October 25, 2024
Sajid Khan and Noman Ali fixed something they didn’t broke pic.twitter.com/v5THeKsIcn
— Haroon (@ThisHaroon) October 26, 2024
Noman Ali: 20 wickets at 13.85
Sajid Khan: 19 wickets at 21.10
A phenomenal couple of test matches for Pakistan’s test spin twins #PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/1zYDnEaP1h— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) October 26, 2024
Sajid Khan, Noman Ali that’s the tweet #PAKvsENG
— Bazid Khan (@bazidkhan81) October 26, 2024
