In a dramatic showdown in Multan, Pakistan bounced back from their first Test defeat with a commanding 152-run victory over England, leveling the three-match series 1-1. This second Test, marked by intense spin bowling, relentless pressure, and tactical brilliance, set the stage for an exciting decider next week in Rawalpindi. While Pakistan’s performance was exceptional, the match’s deeper narrative highlights the challenges both teams face in the ever-evolving world of Test cricket, especially in unpredictable subcontinent conditions.
Pakistan’s Bold Response After Humiliation
Having been humiliated in the first Test by England’s aggressive batting, Pakistan needed a strong comeback. The crushing loss in the first Test—where England piled up a staggering 823-7 declared—triggered an aggressive response from Pakistan’s expanded selection committee. In an unexpected move, superstar batter Babar Azam was dropped alongside pace spearheads Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. It was a gamble that could have backfired, but Pakistan’s tactical shift paid dividends, especially with their decision to reuse the dusty Multan pitch from the first Test.
The decision to field three specialist spinners in Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Shoaib Bashir was a calculated risk, one that hinged heavily on winning the toss. Fortunately for Pakistan, they did. However, this victory was not simply a result of luck but also tactical execution and adaptability.
Noman Ali’s Masterclass: Spinning England to Defeat
The standout performer of the match was undoubtedly left-arm spinner Noman Ali. He tore through England’s batting lineup with figures of 8-46 in the second innings, securing match figures of 11-147. Aided by the sharp turn and unpredictable bounce, Noman’s relentless accuracy and guile made him unplayable on the deteriorating pitch. His partner-in-crime, Sajid Khan, played a crucial supporting role, taking three wickets in the match, and together they bowled unchanged throughout England’s second innings, a feat not seen since 1956.
For Noman, this performance solidified his place as Pakistan’s premier spinner, particularly on home soil. His ability to exploit the turning tracks of Pakistan, while maintaining pressure over long spells, made the difference. England’s batsmen had no answer to his relentless line and length, particularly as the ball spun sharply off the crumbling surface.
England’s Collapse: Missed Chances and Missteps
While Pakistan executed their game plan perfectly, England faltered under the pressure of chasing 297 on a challenging pitch. Their collapse to 144 all out on the fourth day’s morning session will be scrutinized, particularly as they failed to capitalize on key moments in the match.
England’s top scorer, captain Ben Stokes, managed just 37, and despite some aggressive batting from Carse and Stokes towards the end, the team couldn’t resist the spin onslaught. The signs of trouble were evident from the first innings, where England collapsed from 211-2 to 291 all out, throwing away a potential advantage.
A critical moment came on the third afternoon when Jamie Smith and Joe Root dropped straightforward chances off Salman Agha in the same over. Salman was on single digits at the time and went on to score a crucial 63, putting the game beyond England’s reach.
The drops and missed opportunities in the field compounded England’s woes, as Pakistan steadily built an unassailable lead. While Root and Pope showed glimpses of their usual fluency, their dismissals to Noman underscored how the unpredictable pitch got the better of them. England’s inability to adapt to the conditions, despite their success in the first Test, left them reeling.
Tactical Battle: Spin, Toss, and Pakistan’s Adaptability
In Test cricket, adapting to conditions is paramount, and Pakistan did just that. While the first Test saw England’s aggressive “Bazball” style dominate, Pakistan learned from their mistakes and adjusted their strategy. The decision to field a spin-heavy attack was a response to the unique conditions in Multan, where the worn-out pitch offered little for pace bowlers but plenty for spinners.
England, on the other hand, seemed ill-prepared for the drastic change in conditions. Their attacking style, which worked wonders on a flat pitch in the first Test, failed to yield results on the turning track in Multan. The re-used pitch was slow, offering variable bounce and sharp turn—conditions tailor-made for spinners like Noman and Sajid to thrive.
Pakistan’s tactical shift also paid off in their batting. Kamran Ghulam, playing in place of Babar Azam, stepped up with a debut hundred, showing that Pakistan had the depth and resilience to succeed without their usual stars. Ghulam’s innings anchored Pakistan’s first innings and allowed them to post a competitive 366, giving their spinners enough runs to work with.
A Decider in Rawalpindi
With the series now tied at 1-1, all eyes turn to the final Test in Rawalpindi. The pitch for the third Test will be crucial, as England will hope for a surface that suits their aggressive batting style, while Pakistan will likely prepare another spin-friendly track.
England will need to reflect on their approach, especially their inability to handle quality spin in the second Test. They will need to reassess their strategy, as they face a Pakistan side brimming with confidence after this remarkable comeback. The fitness and form of key players like Root and Stokes will also be under the microscope, as England seeks to regain their winning momentum.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will take immense confidence from their performance in Multan. Their spinners are in top form, and the decision to rotate players and bring in fresh faces like Ghulam paid off. With Noman and Sajid leading the charge, Pakistan will be eager to replicate their success and seal the series in Rawalpindi.
Pakistan’s thrilling 152-run victory over England in Multan has set up an intriguing series decider. Noman Ali’s masterful spin bowling and Pakistan’s tactical brilliance highlighted their adaptability and resilience. England, despite their moments of brilliance, faltered under pressure and must now regroup for the final Test. The Rawalpindi showdown promises to be a fascinating contest between two evenly matched teams, both hungry for victory.