In a thrilling conclusion on Day 3 of the third and final Test match against England, Pakistan captain Shan Masood launched a remarkable six to secure a nine-wicket victory for his team on Saturday, October 26, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This powerful stroke not only sealed the match but also clinched the series 2-1 in Pakistan’s favor, marking their first home Test series victory since 2021.
Chasing a modest target of 36 runs, Pakistan made a quick and decisive run for the win. Shoaib Bashir bowled a full delivery outside off-stump on the first ball of the fourth over. Seizing the opportunity, Masood stepped down the wicket and struck it powerfully over long-off for six, sending the crowd into celebratory cheers. The win showcased Pakistan’s dominant performance, particularly in their second innings, where their bowlers, led by Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, made England’s batting lineup struggle.
England’s Strong Start and Pakistan’s Response
The match began with England electing to bat first. They managed to post a total of 267 runs, with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith leading the way with a resilient 89-run knock. England’s innings showcased moments of resistance, but Pakistan’s bowlers, especially Sajid Khan, proved too much to handle. Sajid’s impressive six-wicket haul put Pakistan in a favorable position as they prepared for their batting innings.
In response, Pakistan made a strong statement, scoring 344 runs. Saud Shakeel, with a commanding century of 134 runs, anchored Pakistan’s innings, setting them up for a comfortable lead. Shakeel’s knock was a masterclass in patience and technique, earning him well-deserved praise from fans and critics alike.
Pakistan’s Spinners Dominate England in the Second Innings
With Pakistan holding the upper hand, England faced immense pressure as they came in for their second innings. However, they found themselves struggling once again against Pakistan’s spin attack. Sajid Khan and Noman Ali dominated the bowling, leaving England’s batsmen with little room to breathe. Noman Ali took an outstanding six wickets, while Sajid Khan added four more to his tally, effectively dismantling the English batting lineup. England were bowled out for a mere 112 runs, leaving Pakistan with a straightforward target of just 36 runs.
Swift Chase and Series Win
Pakistan’s chase was swift and decisive. With only 36 runs needed, Shan Masood and his team approached the target with confidence. It took less than four overs for Pakistan to reach the score, with Masood’s massive six sealing the deal. His shot over long-off not only ended the match but also capped off a memorable series for the home side. Pakistan’s nine-wicket victory underscored their dominance in the final stages of the match.
Post-Match Reactions and Awards
Saud Shakeel’s exceptional century and his ability to hold the innings together earned him the Player of the Match award, further solidifying his position as a key player for Pakistan. Shakeel’s performance throughout the series has been a talking point, and this award only added to his growing reputation.
Pakistan’s win over England comes as a significant achievement, especially as it was their first home Test series win since 2021. Fans and experts alike have praised the team’s balanced performance, with both the batters and bowlers contributing crucially at different stages.
Looking Forward
As Pakistan celebrates this hard-earned victory, they will look to build on this momentum in future series. With players like Shan Masood, and Saud Shakeel, and their strong spin lineup, Pakistan appears poised to take on more challenging opponents. The successful Test series also marks a period of resurgence for Pakistan cricket, especially with a young and ambitious squad leading the way.
In summary, Pakistan’s nine-wicket win over England, sealed by Shan Masood’s emphatic six, highlights the team’s strength in both batting and bowling. This home series victory is a testament to their growth and resilience, setting the stage for more thrilling contests in the future.
