Pakistan clinched a thrilling victory in the third Test against England in Rawalpindi, successfully chasing down a modest target of 36 runs in just 3.1 overs on October 26. This decisive win not only secured a nine-wicket victory but also marked a significant milestone for Pakistan as their first home Test series triumph since February 2021, concluding the series with a 2-1 scoreline.
The day began with England resuming play at 24 for 3, but they struggled to build on their overnight score, adding only 88 runs before being bowled out for 112 in their second innings. The collapse of the English batting lineup was catalyzed by Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Noman Ali and Sajid Khan. Noman made an immediate impact by dismissing Harry Brook, who edged a delivery to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, and he soon trapped England captain Ben Stokes in front of the stumps, further unsettling the English side.
Sajid Khan also played a pivotal role in dismantling the English batting order. He dismissed Jamie Smith, who had been a standout performer in the first innings with a score of 89, by clean bowling him for just three runs. Sajid's off-spin proved too challenging for the English batsmen, as he went on to clean bowl both Gus Atkinson and Rehan Ahmed. The innings concluded when Jack Leach attempted to charge down against Noman Ali, only to be stumped by Rizwan, signaling the end of England's innings.
Pakistan's batsmen wasted no time in their pursuit of the target, completing the chase in a mere 19 deliveries. Captain Shan Masood led from the front, scoring an explosive 23 runs off just six balls, including a six that sealed the match. This rapid victory showcased Pakistan’s batting prowess and highlighted their dominance in the series.
Sajid Khan was rightly named Player of the Series for his outstanding performance throughout the matches, claiming an impressive 19 wickets across the two Tests, while also contributing with the bat, scoring a total of 72 runs, including a notable 48 runs in the first innings of the Rawalpindi Test. In addition, Saud Shakeel was awarded Man of the Match for his exceptional century, which was crucial in establishing a solid foundation for Pakistan in the first innings.
This victory not only boosts Pakistan's morale but also underscores their resurgence in Test cricket, as they look to build on this momentum in future series. The team’s collective effort and determination throughout the series have set a promising tone for their upcoming challenges on home soil.
