The first Test between Pakistan and England in Multan ended with England registering a commanding victory, defeating Pakistan by an innings and 47 runs. Pakistan’s performance left fans and players alike stunned, with the team’s inability to fight back in a game that started with promise but ended in utter disappointment.
Pakistan Falls Apart Despite Strong Start
Pakistan’s batting lineup began the first innings with confidence, posting a commendable total of 556 runs. However, this lead proved insufficient as England responded with an astonishing 823 runs, declaring their innings with seven wickets down. Pakistan, who had hoped to capitalize on their strong batting, found themselves in deep trouble as England took control of the game on every front.
Even though Salman Ali Agha (63) and Amir Jamal (55*) fought back with half-centuries on the final day, it wasn’t enough to reverse the tide of defeat. Abrar Ahmed, suffering from fever, couldn’t come to bat, leaving Pakistan’s lineup in further disarray.
England’s All-Round Performance Breaks Pakistan
England’s team showed their dominance in all departments—batting, bowling, and even fielding. By lunch on the fourth day, the match seemed evenly poised, but England shifted gears, wrapping up the game in a matter of hours, leaving fans stunned by the rapid fall of wickets. The English team, led by the brilliant performances of Joe Root and Harry Brook, completely outclassed Pakistan.
Brook, in particular, stole the show with an incredible 317 runs, earning comparisons to cricket legends for his remarkable innings. Root’s double century added to the misery for Pakistan, as the two batsmen together put up almost 600 runs, reducing the Pakistan bowlers to mere spectators.
Pakistani Fans Left Disappointed
As wickets fell rapidly, Pakistani fans began leaving the stadium in disappointment. The performance of pacers like Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, who were expected to trouble England’s batsmen, was below par. Both players, along with others, conceded over 100 runs each, adding to the embarrassment of the home side.
The shocking aspect of this loss was that Pakistan became the first team to lose by an innings after scoring more than 500 runs in their first innings. England’s declaration at 823/7, along with Pakistan’s poor response in the second innings, left them with no hope of survival. Spinner Jack Leach took center stage on the final day, taking four wickets, including three crucial dismissals that ended Pakistan’s faint hopes.
The Turning Point: Root and Brook’s Heroics
The main highlight of the match was the incredible batting display by Joe Root and Harry Brook. Root’s double century was exceptional, but Brook’s 317-run knock took the match to another level. Fans at the Multan Cricket Stadium were left amazed as Brook tore apart the Pakistani bowling attack, earning himself the nickname “Sultan of Multan.” His explosive batting reminded fans of similar heroics from legends like Virender Sehwag.
Pakistan’s Collapse: From Hope to Defeat
At the start of the fifth day, Pakistan resumed their second innings at 152/6. Salman Ali Agha and Amir Jamal tried to hold off the inevitable with a 109-run partnership. However, as soon as Salman was dismissed by Leach, the collapse began. The final few wickets fell in quick succession, with Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah unable to offer any resistance.
This innings defeat by England has left Pakistan with serious questions to answer, especially after their impressive first-innings performance. The team’s lack of unity and inability to withstand pressure showed, as England’s bowlers easily wrapped up the match.
What’s Next?
The second Test between Pakistan and England is set to take place in Multan, starting on Tuesday. Pakistan will be hoping for a better performance in this must-win match to keep their chances alive in the series. Fans and players alike will be looking to bounce back from this humiliating defeat and bring their A-game to the field.
