Under Ben Stokes’ captaincy, England men’s cricket team continued to scale new heights as the Three Lions registered a 26-run win over Babar Azam-led Pakistan in the second Test. England’s Bazball approach under Brendon McCullum continues to do wonders as Stokes and his men’s courageous approach in the five-day format helped the tourists register their first Test series win in Pakistan after 22 long years. The series is a historic one as England are touring Pakistan after a long gap of 17 years.
On the final day, Pakistan’s left-handed batsman Saud Shakeel played a valuable 94-run knock before being controversially caught behind the wicket by Ollie Pope. Along with Imam-ul-Haq, Shakeel added 103 runs for the fourth wicket to help Pakistan put up a fight against England.
The biggest highlight of the match was a memorable debut for Pakistan bowler Abrar Ahmed who claimed a 11-wicket haul in the match. While Ahmed picked seven wickets in England’s first innings, he followed it with a four-wicket haul. Even in the final session, he played some lusty blows to show his intent with the bat.
Harry Brook was adjudged Man of the Match for his 108-run knock in England’s second innings.
In response to England’s 281 in the first innings, Pakistan were bowled out for 202 thanks to some good bowling performances from Jack Leach, Mark Wood and Joe Root. Babar Azam (75) and Saud Shakeel (63) produced two fighting knocks but didn’t receive support from the rest of the batsmen.
England were then bowled out for 275 in their second innings and despite putting a good fight with the bat in the second innings, Pakistan fell short by 26 runs. Mark Wood was England’s hero with the ball (4/65) in the second innings while Ollie Robinson and James Anderson bagged two wickets apiece.
England captain Stokes praised Pakistan’s Abrar for a brilliant Test debut and highlighted how his pacers came into play as the game progressed.
“Obviously different conditions and differently played games but fantastic to be a part of both the games. We had a look at the wicket and it was tricky against slow bowling, but as the game progressed the cracks opened up and our seamers came into the game. The way in which Jimmy and Robbo bowled in the series and our spinners as well, they are going to deliver more often that not. Amazing debut for Abrar and many congratulations to him. He took 7 wickets but we were still scoring runs against him. I just look around and look at my options and see who gives me the best opportunity to pick wickets,” Stokes said.
