The Shan Masood-led Pakistan cricket team's embarrassing outing in red-ball cricket continues as they suffer another disappointing loss in the longest format of the game. Ollie Pope's England defeated them by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test of the three-match series, which was played at the Multan Cricket Stadium. This is their sixth straight loss in Tests, and they have not won a single Test series at home since 2021.
Joe Root and Harry Brook steal limelight in Multan
After Pakistan hit 556 runs in the first innings with the help of centuries from Abdullah Shafique (102), Shan Masood (151), Agha Salman (104), and fifty from Saud Shakeel (82). However, they completely failed to capitalise as England struck 823/7d in reply, which is the fourth-highest score in Test history.
England dominated the Pakistan bowlers and the charge was led by Joe Root (262 runs) and Harry Brook (317 runs). They were England's two best batters and they completely stole the limelight by combining for a record 454 runs partnership. This partnership put their team in a position to win the match many thought might head towards a draw. Brook's innings, which included 29 fours and three sixes, made him the sixth batter from England to reach a triple hundred in history.
England bowlers put the final nail in the coffin
England gained a massive 267-run first-innings lead over Pakistan and it turned out to be enough for a huge win. Their bowlers ensured the same as they did not allow Pakistan to counter. Chris Woakes struck on the very first ball and dismissed Abdullah Shafique on a duck. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse picked up two wickets each and Woakes along with Jack Leach settled with one each before stumps on Day 4. England only needed 4 more wickets to win this match on the final day.
Agha Salman and Aamer Jamal tried to fight and scored 63 and 55 respectively. However, it was just not enough. Jack Leach took three wickets on the final day and as Abrar Ahmed was unavailable to bat Pakistan lost the match by losing 9 wickets itself.
