Pakistan’s struggles in Test cricket continued with a heavy defeat, this time at the hands of Ollie Pope’s England in Multan. The visitors secured an emphatic win by an innings and 47 runs, giving them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
This loss set an unfortunate record for Pakistan, making them the first team in Test history to lose by an innings after scoring over 500 runs in their first innings. It also marked their sixth straight defeat in the format and their seventh home loss in nine matches. Since 2022, Pakistan’s home record has been bleak, with no wins, six losses, and four draws from 10 matches.
Pakistan had started strong in the Multan Test, amassing 556 runs, driven by centuries from Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, and a late charge from Salman Agha. After nearly two days of batting dominance, the hosts appeared to be in a commanding position.
However, England answered with an outstanding batting display. Joe Root and Harry Brook formed a record-breaking partnership of 454 runs, leaving the statisticians busy.
Brook joined the exclusive list of English players to score a triple century, while Root, just missing his own, became England’s highest Test run-scorer, surpassing Sir Alastair Cook. Their partnership led England to an imposing total of 823/7, the fourth-highest Test score ever, before declaring.
The pitch, which had been ideal for batting earlier, began to deteriorate, offering variable bounce and cracks. England’s pace trio—Woakes, Carse, and Atkinson—took full advantage, dismantling Pakistan’s top and middle order on the now tricky surface.
Spinner Jack Leach played a pivotal role in the second innings, claiming four wickets. Pakistan, starting the final day at 152-6, managed to bat for only 96 minutes before being bowled out for 220, with Leach finishing with figures of 4-30.
