England clinch Test series on Pakistan soil after 21 years with thrilling win in Multan

England produced their second series victory in Pakistan in the 20th century on account of a brilliant leadership from Ben Stokes. Earlier in the fourth day’s play, Pakistan needed 157 runs to win while they had six wickets in hand to start proceedings. Saud Shakeel was batting well on 54*, while Faheem Ashraf just came into the crease for Pakistan.

Surprisingly, skipper Ben Stokes started with Joe Root alongside veteran James Anderson at the other end and the move worked out quite well. Root managed to get the first breakthrough of the day with the dismissal of Ashraf for a 32-ball 10.

Mohammad Nawaz joined Shakeel at the crease and the duo went about their business in an aggressive way. The pair added some quick runs throughout the session and Nawaz’s flurry of boundaries released a bit of pressure on the home side. Shakeel slowly crept into the nineties and he looked all set for a century until England came back strong.

Mark Wood rattles Pakistan batters with pace

Mark Wood came into the attack and straightaway picked up the wicket of Nawaz who looked threatening to take the game away. The left-hander’s 45 off 62 balls was crucial in the circumstances, however, the job was yet to be finished. Shakeel soon followed Nawaz for a fantastic 94 off 213 deliveries and Pakistan went into lunch at 291 for 7 with two set batters gone.

Abrar Ahmed came out all guns blazing after lunch, however, his stay was short-lived and was dismissed for 17 off 12 deliveries. Wood yet again proved to be the enforcer and cleaned up Zahid Mahmood defences to leave Pakistan at 319 for 9. Agha Salman was the only hope for Pakistan, however, it was only a matter of time until no. 11 batter Mohammad Ali lost his wicket as Ollie Robinson picked up the final scalp and the visitors wrapped up the three-match series 2-0.