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The recent Test match between England and Pakistan at the Multan Cricket Stadium concluded with a resounding victory for England, who secured a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. This victory marked a historical moment in Test cricket, as Pakistan became the first team ever to lose by an innings after scoring over 500 runs in their first innings. The match showcased dominant performances from England, particularly from Harry Brook and Joe Root, who were instrumental in securing this remarkable win.
England's victory was built upon their impressive batting display in the first innings, where they amassed a colossal 823/7 declared, the fourth-highest Test innings total of all time. This total also stands as the highest in the 21st century and the highest ever recorded by any team in Pakistan. This batting dominance was spearheaded by Harry Brook's incredible knock of 317, which is now the highest score by a batter away from home at number five or below in Test cricket. Brook's achievement is further amplified by the fact that he has now scored centuries in all of his first four Test matches in Pakistan. Joe Root also played a significant role in this massive score, registering a fantastic 262, which pushed him past Alastair Cook's 12472 runs to become England's leading run-getter in Test cricket. Root also moved into sixth place on the men's Test century list with a total of 35 centuries.
The Root-Brook partnership of 454 runs stands as the highest ever for England in Test cricket, surpassing the previous record of 411 runs between Peter May and Colin Cowdrey against West Indies in 1957. This partnership also set a new record for the highest partnership in Tests against Pakistan. In contrast, Pakistan struggled to mount a significant challenge, despite their impressive first innings total of 556. Their second innings fell apart as they were dismissed for 220, primarily due to the exceptional bowling performance by Jack Leach, who claimed all three wickets to fall on day five to complete his four-wicket haul. The dismissal of Agha Salman for 63, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah by Leach were crucial turning points in the match.
This victory for England has significant implications for the World Test Championship standings. England has moved into fourth place with a points percentage of 45.59, while Pakistan remains at the bottom of the table with a points percentage of 16.67. The series continues with two more Test matches, providing Pakistan with an opportunity to redeem themselves. However, they will need to overcome their current struggles and find a way to challenge England's dominant batting lineup if they are to have any chance of winning the series.
Source: Memes Galore As Pakistan Lose Yet Another Home Test, Extend Win-Less Streak To 1331 Days