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Pakistan have triumphed over England by 9 wickets in the third and final Test match held in Rawalpindi, thereby winning the three-match series 2-1. This victory signifies Pakistan’s first series win on home soil in nearly four years and their first success against England since 2015. Remarkably, it also marks only the second occasion in Pakistan’s history that they have emerged victorious in a three-match Test series after losing the initial match, with the last occurrence dating back to 1995 against Zimbabwe.
Captain’s commanding display
The decisive performance by captain Shan Masood illustrated Pakistan’s stronghold on the match. Following a lackluster loss in the first Test played on a pitch conducive to run-scoring, the team opted for a more tactical approach by enhancing their spin bowling resources. England found it incredibly challenging to cope with the trio of spinners—Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Zahid Mahmood—who delivered a remarkable showing, making history by ensuring that no pace bowlers were required throughout the Test, a first for Pakistan cricket.
Spin duo topples England
Noman and Sajid demonstrated their bowling prowess by claiming all ten wickets in England’s innings, which concluded at a mere 112 runs. Noman’s bowling figures read 6-42, while Sajid contributed with 4-69, effectively dismantling the English batting order after they resumed the third day at a shaky 24-3. The innings collapsed quickly, lasting only 37.2 overs.
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Sajid Khan, Noman Ali power Pakistan to series-clinching win in the 3rd Test against England
Shan Masood hits consecutive boundaries
In pursuit of a modest target of 36 runs, Masood ensured the match concluded promptly. He showcased his aggression by striking four consecutive boundaries off and later sealed the chase with a six from Shoaib Bashir’s first delivery of the next over. Masood’s brief but impactful innings of 23 runs off just 6 balls left an indelible mark, reflecting his attacking style and skill.
During the third over of the chase against Leach, Masood demonstrated his attacking mindset. He elegantly hit a full delivery over extra cover for the first boundary, followed by a clever reverse-sweep that sped to the ropes at backward point. Continuing his onslaught, Masood lofted another delivery towards long-on for another four, and finished off with another reverse-sweep that added the final runs.
Here is the video:
4️⃣ in a row!
Skipper Shan Masood was in a hurry to finish it off 💥#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/2zOCMYJ5do
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 26, 2024
