Multan (Web Desk): Pakistan on Friday defeated England by 152 runs in the second Test match in Multan to level three-match series 1-1 at Multan Cricket Stadium.
In a gripping encounter, England’s hopes of chasing down 297 runs for victory collapsed as they were bowled out for just 144 in the morning session of the fourth day. Captain Ben Stokes was the standout performer for England, top-scoring with 37 runs, while Pakistan's Noman Ali was the star with the ball, taking an impressive 8 wickets for 46 runs.
Resuming play at 36-2, England needed a remarkable batting effort to get close to their target, but things quickly deteriorated.
Vice captain Ollie Pope fell early, caught off a return catch from off-spinner Sajid Khan, and Noman soon wreaked havoc on the English batting lineup.
In a critical moment, Noman trapped the seasoned Joe Root lbw for 18 runs; Root reviewed the decision but was unable to have it overturned. Harry Brook followed suit, also falling to Noman, as England slumped to 88-6 with Jamie Smith’s dismissal.
With the pressure mounting, the onus was on Stokes, known for his match-winning innings. However, in an unexpected twist, he lost his grip on the bat while attempting an aggressive shot against Noman, sending it flying to midwicket.
Pakistan's wicketkeeper, Mohammad Rizwan, was quick to capitalize, dislodging the bails as Stokes was well out of his crease.
The third and final Test is set to begin in Rawalpindi on Thursday, leaving England with much to ponder as they look to regroup and bounce back.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan and Zahid Mehmood
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wk), Brydon Carse, Matt Potts, Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir
