(Reuters) – Noman Ali claimed eight wickets as Pakistan’s frontline spinners bowled them to a 152-run victory over England in the second test in Multan yesterday to level the three-match series at 1-1. Chasing 297 for victory on a turning track at the Multan Cricket Stadium, England were all out for 144 in the fourth day’s morning session. Skipper Ben Stokes was the top scorer for England with 37 but their frontline batters struggled against the turning ball.
Left-arm spinner Noman was pick of the Pakistan bowlers claiming 8-46. Noman and player of the match Sajid Khan, who claimed seven wickets in the first innings, shared all 20 England wickets in a terrific display of spin bowling. It ended Pakistan’s winless run on home soil where they had not won a test match since February 2021.
“I think the first one’s always special, and it’s come after some hard times, some rough times,” Shan Masood said after his first test win as Pakistan captain. “Noman and Sajid coming in for their first games — it’s never easy, and they seemed like two seasoned campaigners coming in and doing their job in the second innings. “We didn’t need a third bowler, so that just speaks volumes for them.
” Pakistan were already in the ascendancy when England resumed on 36-2 needing an extraordinary batting effort to get anywhere near the target. Vice-captain Ollie Pope (22) fell in the second over of the day, giving off-spinner Sajid Khan a return catch before left-arm spinner No.