In a dramatic turn of events at the Multan Cricket Stadium, Pakistan returned to life to claim a stunning victory over England. The key to this triumph was spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, whose late brilliance transformed what seemed like a daunting task into an emphatic win. With fourth umpire Rashid Riaz keenly observing from the sidelines, and England’s ground staff rolling out the heaviest roller available, the Multan pitch, having endured nine days of cricket, refused to stay tamed.
The match began with Pakistan needing to take eight more England wickets while conceding less than 261 runs—a seemingly straightforward task. However, recent history has not been kind to Pakistan regarding defending favorable positions. They had fumbled critical matches before, most notably against Australia and Bangladesh, where strong starts were undone by poor fielding and questionable tactics. With the team’s last home Test victory nearly four years ago and six crushing defeats in their recent record, the pressure was immense.
Salman Ali Agha, speaking after day three’s play, summarized the importance of the match: “It’s going to be massive because we haven’t won a Test match at home for God knows how many years now. We will make sure we put in all our efforts and win this game.” The frustration of fans was palpable. Pakistan cricket had been yearning for a moment like this for a long time.
The importance of this win was evident from the turnout in Multan. Though Pakistan’s last few Tests had seen sparse crowds, fans flocked to the stadium on Friday, filling the stands under the scorching heat. There was finally hope—a light at the end of the tunnel after years of cricketing agony and torment.
The challenge Pakistan faced was far from easy. England boasted a formidable lineup with players like Ollie Pope, who had previously showcased his talent with a double century in Hyderabad against a strong Indian side. Joe Root was arguably the best player of spin in the world, Harry Brook had an astonishing record in Pakistan, and Ben Stokes was known for performing miracles, with his 2019 Headingly heroics still fresh in fans’ memories.
But this time, it was Sajid Khan and Noman Ali who rose to the occasion. In just over an hour and 45 minutes, they dismantled England’s batting lineup, spinning Pakistan to a famous victory. The fact that these two spinners were not even part of the initial plans for the Bangladesh series just weeks earlier makes their contribution even more significant. Sajid had not been selected for the first Test, and Noman was released from the squad altogether.
The duo’s brilliance was unprecedented. They shared all 20 England wickets between them—an incredibly rare feat in Test cricket history. Such was their impact that captain Shan Masood didn’t feel the need to turn to any other bowlers in the decisive fourth innings. Sajid recorded the best bowling figures of his career by the lunch interval, while Noman would go on to eclipse his teammate’s achievements within 24 hours.
The turning point came early on the fourth day when Sajid dismissed Ollie Pope with a soft return catch. After that, it was all Noman, who went on a rampage, taking seven wickets for just 46 runs. England’s batsmen tried everything—sweeps, paddles, and scoops—but Noman had the answer for everything they threw at him. Even Ben Stokes, who threatened to stage a remarkable comeback for England, could not withstand Noman’s relentless spin.
Noman’s bowling performance, eight wickets for 46 runs, was one for the history books. His efforts helped Pakistan bowl England out and sealed a crucial victory for his team. Remarkably, the last time Noman had bowled for Pakistan, he took seven wickets against Sri Lanka, helping Pakistan secure a crushing win by an innings and 222 runs. This latest triumph only added to his legacy.
Pakistan cricket, always a spectacle at its most volatile, has been through turbulent times recently. But the events leading up to this victory were unprecedented even by Pakistan’s standards. Mid-series, the Pakistan Cricket Board overhauled its selection committee, which led to a complete change in team policy. But these frantic decisions paid off in spades. The win over England provided the perfect platform for Pakistan to rebuild their confidence.
As the match came to a close, Pakistan’s long wait for a home Test victory finally ended. The sense of relief and joy was palpable throughout the stadium, with fans celebrating the success they had waited years for. A deep sense of pride washed over the Pakistan team, knowing that despite the absence of their usual match-winners, they had players capable of stepping up when it mattered most.
The Multan crowd erupted in celebration, with a reverbed version of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s “Aakhian Udeek Diyan” blasting from the stadium’s PA system. The song, about longing for a loved one, was an apt metaphor for Pakistan’s years-long wait for a home Test win. Their victory wasn’t just about a game of cricket; it was a symbol of resilience, persistence, and the undying hope of a team and its fans.
For now, Pakistan could rejoice. They had overcome one of the strongest teams in world cricket, reminded the world of their talent, and finally brought home a victory that had been so elusive for so long. As fans, players, and pundits reflected on the match, one thing was certain: Pakistan cricket, despite its ups and downs, remains one of the most exciting spectacles in the game, capable of producing moments of magic when it is needed the most.