England suffered a collapse on a worn pitch in Multan as Pakistan’s spinners shone in the second Test match. After bowling out the hosts for 366, Ben Duckett’s impressive century helped England reach 211 for two. However, Pakistan’s decision to stick with a reused pitch paid off as England stumbled to 239 for six by the end of the day.
Pakistan’s strategy to field a strong spin attack on the seventh day of continuous Test cricket worked wonders as the pitch began to play tricks. Spin bowler Sajid Khan played a pivotal role, claiming four wickets including key batsmen like Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, and Ben Stokes in just 18 deliveries. Khan’s fierce celebration reflected the impact of his bowling on the game.
Ben Duckett showcased exceptional skill with his sweeping technique, scoring a brilliant century before falling victim to Khan’s turner. Harry Brook and Ben Stokes also fell quickly, leaving England in a precarious position. Pakistan’s focus on spin bowlers proved effective as Noman Ali and Abdullah Shafique also contributed to England’s downfall.
The sudden shift in momentum highlighted Pakistan’s dominance on the worn pitch, giving them a significant 127-run lead by the end of play. Despite Duckett’s outstanding performance, Pakistan’s spinners seized control of the match and set themselves up for a strong position going forward.
The second Test match in Multan showcased the effectiveness of Pakistan’s spinners on a challenging pitch, leaving England facing an uphill battle to overturn the deficit in the remaining days. The spinners’ performance has put Pakistan in a commanding position and raised the stakes for England as they look to bounce back in the Test series.