A bold selection of calls and a spin-friendly surface in Multan helped Pakistan end their winless home run with a series-levelling victory in the second test against England on Friday.
Pakistan's victory by 152 runs in just over three days marks their first home win since they beat South Africa in Rawalpindi in February 2021. This victory under Shan Masood's captaincy has lifted the gloom that had settled over the team after a 2-0 whitewash at home against Bangladesh.
This turnaround would not have been possible without the bold decisions made by Pakistan's selectors following England's innings victory in the series opener, also in Multan. In response to the defeat, Pakistan made drastic changes, dropping batter Babar Azam and pacers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi, who had been underperforming.
The move paid off, with Kamran Ghulam, Babar's replacement, impressing immediately by smashing a terrific hundred in the first innings of his debut test. Shan Masood acknowledged the pressure Kamran faced, especially after being trolled on social media before his first match, but praised his debut performance.
Pakistan's strategy to field a spin-heavy attack, with Aamer Jamal as the lone seamer, also proved effective on the turning track at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Off-spinner Sajid Khan and left-arm spinner Noman Ali shared all 20 England wickets, showcasing excellent spin bowling on a helpful surface.
Pakistan's lower-order batters also contributed valuable runs, helping the team secure a strong position. While England's spinners, Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir, took wickets, their batters struggled against the turning ball.
Chasing 297 on a worn-out wicket, England lost eight wickets in the morning session on Friday, being bowled out for just 144. They regretted dropping catches early in Salman Agha's innings, which allowed him to add crucial runs with the Pakistan tailenders.
Despite the loss, England captain Ben Stokes praised his pacers, Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts, for their relentless efforts on a pitch that offered little assistance.
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