Shan Masood-led Pakistan secured their first test series win at home after three years as they beat England by nine wickets in the third and final test of the series at Rawalpindi International Stadium.
Pakistan sealed the series 2-1 and their first-ever series win under Shan Masood. This is the first series win for the side against England since November 2015. After a win in the second test, the hosts decided to field the same playing 11 for the decider match.
The hosts needed only 36 runs to emerge victorious at Rawalpindi and the hosts reached the target on the lost off one wicket. Saim Ayub was the batter who got dismissed while Jack Leach was the only bowler to pick a wicket in the second innings.
Pakistan win the series 2️⃣-1️⃣ ✅#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/JKhdUHNUk7
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 26, 2024
Masood hurried to finish this Test match and a series as he smashed 23 runs off 6 deliveries which included 4 fours and six. Shan Masood-led side fully relied on spinners and the same with England’s as they fielded only one fast bowler Gus Atkinson.
A total of 29 wickets were taken by the spinner with Atkinson picking the remaining two wickets. Pakistan’s last test series win comes from South Africa’s tour in 2020 where the visitors secured a clean sweep 2-0 victory.
Earlier the hosts were bowled out for 344 runs after Saud Shakeel slammed a century. Sajid Khan was unbeaten on 48 after tail-ender Zahid Mahmood was dismissed on a duck. Noman Ali also hit a crucial 45 after they were reduced 177/7. Saud Shakeel hit 134 runs and registered a solid stand with Noman and Sajid.
They scored a total of 344 runs and England responded with 112 runs. Joe Root and Harry Brook are the only scorers in the second innings. Noman Ali and Sajid Khan picked 6 and 4 wickets respectively.
The hosts needed only 37 runs in the second inning. After Saim Ayub was sent out for 8 runs, Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood forged hands to secure a 9-wicket win at Rawalpindi International Stadium.
