Pakistan levelled the Test series with a comprehensive 152-run victory over England, setting up a series decider in Rawalpindi next week.
England, chasing 297 on a worn Multan pitch, were bowled out for just 144 before lunch on day four, with left-arm spinner Noman Ali claiming an outstanding 7-46 in the second innings, and match figures of 11-147.
Noman, alongside off-spinner Sajid, who took nine wickets in the match, dominated England with sharp turn and unpredictable bounce.
England faltered, collapsing for 8-80 in their first innings and missing crucial catches in Pakistan’s second innings, which sealed their fate.
England had their moments, including a fine century from Ben Duckett in their first innings, but the recycled pitch from the first Test and Pakistan’s spin-heavy strategy, helped by winning the toss, proved too much.
Pakistan’s bold changes, including dropping star batter Babar Azam, paid off as debutant Kamran Ghulam stepped up with a hundred. Though England started with hopes of a record chase, Noman and Sajid’s relentless bowling ended their ambitions swiftly, halting England’s four-match winning streak in Pakistan. The third and final Test in Rawalpindi will now determine the series winner.
