Win Projections to be updated soon
England continued their dominance in Test cricket with a historic innings-and-47-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test of the series in Multan. The result marked a new low for Pakistan, making them the first team in Test history to lose by an innings after scoring 500 runs in their first innings. England’s comprehensive win was highlighted by a stunning batting display and a clinical bowling performance led by Jack Leach, who claimed a four-wicket haul in Pakistan’s second innings.
The Test, played from October 7 to 11, saw England dominate from start to finish. After Pakistan posted a formidable 556 in their first innings, courtesy of centuries from Shan Masood (151), Abdullah Shafique (102), and a rapid unbeaten 104 from Salman Agha, England responded with a monumental total of 823 for 7 declared. Harry Brook was the star with the bat, scoring a career-defining 317, while veteran Joe Root added 262, as the visitors took a massive 267-run lead. Contributions from Zak Crawley (78) and Ben Duckett (84) ensured Pakistan had no respite from England’s relentless batting assault.
Pakistan Create an unwanted record post disappointing loss against England at Multan
Despite the excellent batting conditions, Pakistan’s second innings crumbled under pressure. Resuming the fourth day at 82 for 6, the hosts were already on the brink of defeat. Salman Agha (63) and Aamer Jamal (55*) provided some resistance with a 109-run partnership for the seventh wicket, but it was never going to be enough to save the match. England’s spinners, led by Jack Leach (4-30), applied pressure, and the final day’s play lasted less than two hours. Leach dismissed Salman lbw early in the morning session before wrapping up the tail by dismissing Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah.
England’s victory is one of their most remarkable in Asia, marking only their second win by an innings on the continent. The triumph extended Pakistan’s losing streak in home Tests under the captaincy of Shan Masood to six consecutive defeats. Pakistan, who have not won a home Test since February 2021, are now under intense scrutiny for their poor performances, especially after failing to capitalize on favorable batting conditions in Multan.
Brook and Root Shatter Records
The win was largely built on England’s record-breaking batting performance. Harry Brook, who has been in sensational form since his debut, smashed his first triple century, becoming only the fourth Englishman to achieve the feat. His 317 came off 412 balls, including 41 fours and 7 sixes. Brook was well-supported by Joe Root, whose 262 anchored the innings and provided England with the platform to declare on 823 for 7, the fourth-highest total in Test history. Root’s experience and composure were on full display as he played his 32nd Test century and forged a partnership of 450 with Brook, the highest for any wicket in Tests for England in Asia.
The duo’s exploits overshadowed an otherwise solid bowling effort by Pakistan. Naseem Shah (3-181) and Shaheen Afridi (2-160) toiled hard on an unforgiving pitch, but their efforts went in vain as England piled on the runs.
Pakistan’s Collapse
While Pakistan’s first innings was impressive, their second was a complete contrast. Following a promising start by their top order in the first innings, Pakistan faltered badly in their second effort. The collapse was triggered by a combination of disciplined bowling from England and some poor shot selection by the Pakistan batters. Jack Leach’s probing left-arm spin proved to be the undoing of Pakistan, while pacers Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse supported him with hostile short-pitched bowling that unsettled the lower order.
Despite brave resistance from Salman and Jamal, the writing was on the wall as Pakistan’s batsmen could not recover from the fourth day’s damage. Leach eventually removed the well-set Salman, while Jamal’s fighting knock of 55* came too late to make a significant impact on the outcome.
Pakistan’s Home Struggles Continues
The loss added to Pakistan’s growing woes in home Tests. Their winless streak at home now stretches to more than three years, with no victories since February 2021.
Since 2022, Pakistan have a 0% win rate, having played 10 matches, lost 6, and drawn 4. This puts Pakistan at the bottom of the list among Test-playing nations, while South Africa leads with an impressive 87.50% win rate at home, winning 7 out of 8 matches. India follows closely with a 76.92% win rate from 13 matches. Australia, England, and Sri Lanka also have strong home records, whereas teams like Bangladesh and West Indies have struggled, though not as significantly as Pakistan.
Shan Masood’s leadership has come under fire, and the team’s performance has raised serious questions about their strategy and preparation for home series, especially against top-tier opponents like England. The absence of key spinner Abrar Ahmed, who was hospitalized and unable to play in the second innings, further compounded Pakistan’s difficulties.
With England taking a 1-0 lead in the series, Pakistan will need to regroup quickly if they are to salvage anything from the remaining Tests.
The second Test between Pakistan and England will be crucial for the home side as they seek to end their losing streak and avoid further embarrassment on their own turf. Meanwhile, England will aim to continue their dominance and secure another series win in Asia.
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