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Pakistan's dominant victory over England in the second Test in Multan marked a significant milestone for the team, ending their prolonged drought of home Test wins. The 152-run triumph, achieved despite the absence of star players Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam, showcased the depth and resilience within the Pakistani squad. The victory not only ended their 11-match losing streak at home but also provided a much-needed boost to their morale.
The absence of Shaheen, Pakistan's premier fast bowler, was expected to leave a noticeable void in the bowling attack. However, the spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan rose to the occasion, proving to be more than capable replacements. Noman's exceptional performance in the second innings, where he claimed a career-best 8/46, proved instrumental in sealing England's fate. This remarkable feat also cemented Noman's place in Pakistan's cricketing history, making him the most successful left-arm spinner in Test matches for the nation.
The combination of Noman and Sajid's dominance with the ball, taking all 20 wickets in the Test, drew comparisons to legendary bowling partnerships of the past. Their achievement marked only the seventh instance of a bowling duo claiming all 20 wickets in a Test match, the last time such a feat occurred in 1972. This historic performance not only solidified their individual achievements but also highlighted the strength of Pakistan's spin bowling unit.
The victory was further sweetened by the remarkable debut performance of Kamran Ghulam. At 29 years old, he became the second-oldest Pakistan player to score a century on Test debut, after Abid Ali in 2019. His impressive innings, a crucial anchor in Pakistan's first innings, provided a strong foundation for the team's dominance. With this milestone, Kamran joined an exclusive group of only 13 Pakistan cricketers who have scored a century on debut.
The team's victory was a testament to the collective effort and determination of each player. The absence of Shaheen and Babar did not hinder their performance; instead, it provided an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their talents. Noman and Sajid's exceptional performances and Kamran's impressive debut century solidified Pakistan's dominance, marking a significant turning point for the team.