In a gripping match at Multan Cricket Stadium, Pakistan's spin duo stole the show with Noman Ali taking 8 wickets and Shaheen Afridi and Sajid Khan providing crucial support as they bowled England out for 144, securing a 152-run victory. England's hopes of chasing down the target of 297 were dashed by the spinners who capitalized on the turning track. Skipper Ben Stokes' valiant efforts were not enough to save his team as Noman claimed the top spot in the bowlers' list with his impressive figures of 8-46. The series now stands at parity with one win for each team.
Pakistan's Spin Duo Triumphs over England in Thrilling Test Match
In a captivating encounter at the Multan Cricket Stadium, Pakistan's spin duo of Noman Ali, Shaheen Afridi, and Sajid Khan weaved their magic to secure a resounding victory over England.
Match Summary
Winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bat first and posted a formidable total of 296 in their first innings, thanks to half-centuries from Azhar Ali and Imam-ul-Haq. England responded with 144, bowled out cheaply by the Pakistani spinners.
Noman Ali emerged as the star performer, claiming 8 wickets for just 46 runs. Afridi and Khan also chipped in with three wickets each, exploiting the turning pitch to limit England's scoring.
In their second innings, Pakistan declared on 268/6, setting England a target of 449. However, the visitors were bundled out for 296, falling 152 runs short. Noman once again proved unstoppable, taking another 3 wickets to finish with a match tally of 11.
Impact on the Series
The victory marks Pakistan's first in the three-match Test series, which now stands level at 1-1. The final Test will take place in Karachi from December 13-17.
Background
The rivalry between India, Pakistan, and England in cricket has a long and storied history. The three nations are all members of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and have played countless matches against each other at all levels.
India and Pakistan have a particularly intense rivalry, dating back to their first match in 1947. The two teams have met in over 100 Tests, with India holding a slight edge in terms of wins.
England, on the other hand, is one of the most successful cricket teams in history. They have won the Cricket World Cup four times and are considered a formidable opponent by all.
FAQs
1. Who is Noman Ali?
Noman Ali is a 27-year-old Pakistani left-arm spinner. He made his Test debut in 2019 and has quickly established himself as one of the best spinners in the world.
2. What is the significance of Pakistan's victory?
Pakistan's victory is significant for several reasons. It is their first Test win over England in over five years. It also keeps them alive in the series, setting up a thrilling showdown in Karachi.
3. Who is the captain of the England cricket team?
The captain of the England cricket team is Ben Stokes. He is a world-class all-rounder and led England to their first Cricket World Cup title in 2019.
4. What is the future of the India-Pakistan rivalry?
The India-Pakistan rivalry is one of the most passionate and intense in all of sports. The two teams are expected to meet again in the Asia Cup in 2023.
5. Who is the highest run-scorer in Test cricket?
The highest run-scorer in Test cricket is Sachin Tendulkar of India, with 15,921 runs.
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