'Pakistan cricket is back': Shahid Afridi after emphatic series win over England | Cricket News – Times of India
NEW DELHI: Pakistan secured a remarkable Test series victory with a nine-wicket thrashing of England on Saturday, thanks to a spin masterclass from Noman Ali and Sajid Khan. The spin duo dismantled England’s batting lineup, claiming all 10 wickets and bowling out the visitors for just 112. Pakistan then raced to victory in Rawalpindi, wrapping up the third Test before lunch on day three.
Captain Shan Masood added the finishing touches in style, hitting five boundaries in six balls and launching Shoaib Bashir over the ropes to seal a resounding win. This marked Pakistan’s first home Test series victory since defeating South Africa in February 2021.
The triumph seemed unlikely after England’s crushing innings-and-47-run win in the first Test in Multan, which led to the benching of superstars Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, as well as pacer Naseem Shah.
However, replacements Noman and Sajid turned the series around, capturing a combined 39 wickets across the next two Tests.
Pakistan clinched the second Test in Multan by 152 runs, setting the stage for the memorable series win.
Former England captain Michel Vaughan took to social media and lauded Pakistan’s win.
“Fantastic series win for Pakistan .. As soon as the pitches started to spin they dominated England .. It happened in India last year and now Pakistan .. Englands high risk strategy doesn’t work against the spinning ball .. #PAKvsENG,” Vaughan said.
Former captain Shahid Afridi said ‘Pakistan cricket is back’.
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram also took to social media and lauded team’s win.
Sajid’s outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Series award.
