MULTAN: What began as a hopeful high turned into a historic low for Pakistan, who became the first team to lose a Test by an innings despite posting 500 runs in their first innings.
England, relentless in their approach, clinched victory early on day five, wrapping up the game before lunch with a commanding innings and 47-run win. Pakistan’s defeat was practically assured when they stumbled to 82 for 6 on day four under clear conditions.
Despite a century partnership between Salman Agha and Aamer Jamal for the seventh wicket, Pakistan was left too far behind after England’s monumental 823 for 7 declared.
Salman and Jamal’s resilient stand of 109 wasn’t enough to force England back to the crease, even though Pakistan initially put up an impressive 556. This loss marks Pakistan’s sixth consecutive defeat under Shan Masood’s captaincy, highlighting a troubling home record with no wins since February 2021.
Pakistan was further hampered by the absence of Abrar Ahmed, who was hospitalized. England capitalized on the situation, with Jack Leach seizing his moment by trapping Salman lbw with his fourth delivery of the day. England then claimed two more quick wickets in just four balls to seal the win, marking their second innings victory on Asian soil.
England’s batters set the stage with a record-breaking innings, thanks to Harry Brook’s triple-century and Joe Root’s impressive 262, propelling England to the fourth-highest total in Test history. The pitch remained mostly favorable even on day five, but Pakistan’s collapse after falling 267 runs behind left little doubt about the outcome. Beginning their day at 152 for 6, Pakistan fought hard through Salman and Jamal, who each reached half-centuries.
Salman showcased his adaptability by notching a boundary off Gus Atkinson to reach fifty, while Jamal, facing Brydon Carse’s aggressive short-ball barrage, also scored fifty despite a concussion test after being struck on the helmet.
Carse continued to pressure Jamal, who managed to fend off several bouncers, even as Ollie Pope dropped a routine catch after Jamal top-edged to square leg. Leach made the crucial breakthrough by beating Salman’s inside edge, confirmed on review.
Shaheen Afridi was dismissed shortly after, and England’s Jack Leach sealed Pakistan’s fate by catching a return chance from Shaheen and stumping Naseem Shah. This memorable victory, a shining testament to the Bazball era, ranks among England’s most remarkable wins.
