RAWALPINDI, (TDI): The wait is over. Pakistan has clinched their first home Test series victory since 2021, rallying from a 1-0 down to secure a 2-1 series win over England with a dominant nine-wicket victory in Rawalpindi.
The third and final Test, which concluded before lunch on day three, saw Pakistan reclaim momentum with an outstanding performance by their bowling attack, leaving England’s initial innings win feeling like a distant memory.
Pakistan’s bowlers Noman Ali and Sajid Khan once again took center stage, dismantling England’s lineup for just 110 in their second innings.
Noman starred with figures of 6 for 42—his sixth five-wicket haul—while Sajid added 4 for 69, making it his second 10-wicket match in a career of just 10 Tests.
Their combined efforts left Pakistan with a nominal chase of 36 runs, a target they achieved in a stunning display of quick batting.
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After opener Saim Ayub was dismissed lbw by Jack Leach in the third over, skipper Shan Masood took the reins, scoring a rapid 23 off six balls.
Masood hit four consecutive fours against Leach before sealing victory with a towering six, wrapping up the match in emphatic fashion.
The series win is Pakistan’s first against England since their 2015 victory in the UAE, and marks the first series victory for new captain Shan Masood.
The achievement also highlights Pakistan’s resilience, as this is only the second time they have come back from a series deficit to win, and the first time they have done so on home soil.
Series Highlights
This series saw Noman Ali and Sajid Khan in exceptional form. Noman led Pakistan’s bowling attack with 20 wickets, including 11 in the second Test and nine in the third, while Sajid closely followed with 19 wickets, also delivering match-winning spells in each game.
Both players’ contributions helped turn the series in Pakistan’s favor, especially in the decisive final Test.
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Batsman Saud Shakeel was named Player of the Match for his crucial first-innings 134, which set the stage for Pakistan’s later dominance.
Sajid Khan was awarded Player of the Series for his exceptional bowling and valuable contributions with the bat, finishing the series with 19 wickets and 72 runs.
Recent Home and Series Wins
The victory marks Pakistan’s first home Test series win since 2021, when they defeated South Africa in back-to-back matches.
Pakistan’s last Test series win, before this, came during their tour of Sri Lanka in July 2023, with Noman Ali again emerging as the leading wicket-taker.
This series win against England highlights Pakistan’s evolving strength in both bowling and batting under new captain Shan Masood, setting a promising tone for their future in Test cricket.
