England outclass Pakistan as they win by innings and 47 runs in Multan Test
The historic defeat came at the hands of England, who clinched a comprehensive innings and 47-run victory in the opening Test at Multan Cricket Stadium on 11 october.
Pakistan made unwanted history, becoming the first team in Test cricket to lose by an innings after posting over 550 runs in the first innings.
After opting to bat first, Pakistan put up a massive total of 556 over two days. However, England responded in emphatic fashion, declaring on 823-7, their highest Test score in 86 years. Harry Brook's magnificent 317 and Joe Root's solid 262 powered England, with the pair sharing a record fourth-wicket partnership of 454 runs.
Trailing by 267 runs, Pakistan collapsed in their second innings, managing just 220. England's bowlers dominated, sealing Pakistan's seventh home defeat in their last 11 Tests, continuing a winless streak.
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The final day saw Pakistan resume on 152-6, with Salman Agha offering some resistance. He fought valiantly for 63, stitching a 109-run partnership with Aamer Jamal, who brought up his half-century. Despite his efforts, Jamal survived a scare after being struck on the helmet by Brydon Carse and was fortunate when stand-in captain Ollie Pope dropped a difficult chance. Jamal remained unbeaten on 55 as the wickets tumbled at the other end.
Jack Leach was instrumental in breaking the partnership, dismissing Salman Agha and later taking a remarkable return catch to send Shaheen Afridi back to the pavilion. Leach capped off the innings by stumping Naseem Shah, ensuring England wrapped up the match.
England's victory came after a commanding display with the bat, declaring after a colossal 823-7 in 150 overs. They made the most of a flat Multan pitch and dominated proceedings throughout. Pakistan, despite flexing their muscles with a strong 556 in their first innings, found themselves under immense pressure by the end of the fourth day, trailing by 115 runs, and crumbled under the weight of expectations on the final day.
This defeat leaves Pakistan with serious questions to answer as they remain winless in their recent home matches, with their last victory on home soil coming over a year ago.
