Pakistan have won the three-match Test series with England after storming to a nine-wicket victory inside three days in Rawalpindi.
Having suffered one of the most embarrassing Test defeats in history in the first of two matches in Multan, Pakistan have since opted for pitches with more turn.
That has given Noman Ali and Sajid Khan the platform to produce sustained, sometimes unplayable spells of spin bowling, the pair once again delivering during Saturday's play.
All 10 wickets of the second innings were taken by the duo as England succumbed to 112 all out, Pakistan requiring just 3.1 overs to chase down the 36 that were required to complete the comeback series win.
Within seven sessions of winning the toss, England had crumbled to 267 and 112 all out, Pakistan's burst from the middle order onwards on Friday to make 344 proving pivotal in the context of the match.
Pakistan edge towards victory as Sajid clean bowls Jamie Smith ☝️ pic.twitter.com/T1XZ3OsLpO
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) October 26, 2024
Another England collapse
Resuming on 24-3, it was imperative that Joe Root and Harry Brook put together a lengthy fourth-wicket stand to give England any hope, and they deserve some credit for reaching 66.
Nevertheless, the writing was on the way as Brook (26), Ben Stokes (3) and Jamie Smith (3) all departed in quick succession, Root (33) not far behind them to leave England on 85-7.
Gus Atkinson and Jack Leach both made 10, but there was no answer to Noman (6-42) and Sajid (4-69) as Pakistan set up a routine run chase.
Leach managed to dismiss Saim Ayub for eight, yet that allowed captain Shan Masood to come to the crease and smash 23 from just six deliveries to get Pakistan over the line in style.
For his 134 in Pakistan's first innings, Saud Shakeel deservedly won man of the match, with Noman and Sajid taking all but one of England's 20 wickets.
Darren Plant
