Pakistan win third test and series against England

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan made the required 36 runs quickly after the innings break to win the third test and close out the series against England. It was the first time in nine years that Pakistan defeated England in a test series, with their last win coming in 2015 when the two played each other in the United Arab Emirates. Saturday’s win also secured the first series win for Pakistan skipper Shan Masood.

Pakistan capitalised off the incredible spells from Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, who took nine and ten wickets across both innings respectively. Saim Ayub immediately hit two back to back fours to close out the first over.

However, Ayub was dismissed shortly after in the third over from an lbw on a delivery from Jack Leach. It was originally given not out, but the review from England showed that the stumps would have been splayed.

England all out in final test against Pakistan

SHAN MASOOD’S INCREDIBLE BATTING

In came Pakistan skipper Shan Masood who hit a four on the very first ball he faced. And then he hit another on the next ball with a beautiful reverse sweep. Masood was eager to win, hitting yet another four immediately after for the third time in a row.

To Leach’s dismay, Masood would strike again on the next delivery, as he reversed the ball behind point to put Pakistan in range of winning with one more shot.

And on the first ball of the fourth over, Shan Masood would blast a six to win the third test and the series against England. Masood made an incredible 23 runs from only six deliveries.

HISTORY

The last time Pakistan won a test series was in their tour of Sri Lanka in July of 2023. Interestingly, Noman Ali was the highest wicket taker in that series, taking 10 wickets across both matches.

Noman was also the top wicket taker in this series, taking a total of 20 wickets, including 11 in the second test, and nine in the third. Sajid Khan was the second top wicket taker, taking 19 wickets, including nine in the second test, and ten in the third.

The last time Pakistan won a series at home was in 2021 when they beat South Africa in back to back tests.

AWARDS

Saud Shakeel was named player of the match for his incredible batting performance in Pakistan’s first innings, in which he made 134 runs off 223 deliveries, hitting five fours in the process.

Sajid Khan was named player of the series thanks to incredible bowling and the vital runs he added near the end of Pakistan’s innings. Across the series he took 19 wickets, and made 72 runs.