Pakistan captain Shan Masood described his team’s series-tying victory over England in the second Test as “special,” marking their first win in nearly four years on home soil. Pakistan’s 152-run triumph in Multan on Friday ended a long winless streak, with their last home victory in Test cricket dating back to February 2021, against South Africa in Rawalpindi.
This victory was also significant for Shan Masood, who secured his first Test win as captain since taking over from Babar Azam late last year.
“The first one’s always special, especially after some tough times,” Masood said, reflecting on Pakistan’s bounce back from their innings defeat in the first Test at the same venue. “You can’t doubt the boys’ effort and commitment. It’s come after some rough times, and it has kept us hungry.”
In a bold move, Pakistan dropped the out-of-form Babar Azam, along with key pacers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi, opting for a spin-heavy lineup instead. The decision paid off, as spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali claimed all 20 England wickets on a turning pitch.
“We haven’t played much Test cricket in Multan, but when we did, the surface offered spin, so we decided to try that strategy,” Masood explained.
Pakistan’s victory was solidified on the fourth morning, when England, chasing 296, were bowled out for just 144. Ben Duckett’s aggressive century in the first innings showed promise, but the tourists struggled in their second innings, with captain Ben Stokes’ 37 being the highest individual score.
Reflecting on the defeat, Stokes said, “Duckett’s hundred gave us a roadmap, but Pakistan’s spinners made it hard to control the run rate. We had some good moments but couldn’t capitalize.”
The third and final Test will take place in Rawalpindi on Thursday, where both teams will aim for a series-deciding win.
