Pakistan Pulls Off Stunning 2-1 Series Win Over England

Pakistan clinched a remarkable 2-1 series win over England showcasing one of the most significant turnarounds in Test cricket history. Over the course of 356 overs, England initially excelled scoring 1,034 runs for nine wickets at an impressive rate. However, their performance dramatically declined in the final part of the series where they managed only 603 runs for 38 wickets, highlighting a significant drop in their scoring rate and wicket loss.

The pitches for the second and third Tests presented challenges with the first innings in both matches combining for 1,268 runs. While these pitches posed difficulties for spin bowlers, they did not present excessive challenges compared to previous games in Pakistan. Historically, spinners have struggled in Pakistan but this series proved otherwise, presenting a unique challenge for England compared to their previous tours.

Notably, England’s batsmen faced a tough time, getting bowled out in under 40 overs three times in their last four matches, a stark contrast to their historical performance. Pakistan’s bowling duo, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan made history by taking a combined 39 wickets in two Tests, the highest ever recorded in such a sequence.

Their success stemmed from their adaptation in bowling styles; Noman bowled slower than his previous average while Sajid relied on quicker deliveries. October 2024 also emerged as a surprising month in Test cricket with four different bowlers claiming seven or more wickets in a single innings.

These included unexpected performances from players like Washington Sundar and Mitchell Santner emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the sport and the emergence of lesser-known talents on the international stage.