England Secure Record Victory in Multan Test

England claimed a historic win in the first Test in Multan, defeating Pakistan by an innings and 47 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Pakistan, starting the final day six wickets down and without Abrar Ahmed due to illness, found some resistance through Salman Agha and Aamer Jamal, who shared a 109-run partnership for the seventh wicket. However, Jack Leach quickly ended Salman’s stay, dismissing him for 63 with an lbw in just four deliveries. Leach then caught and bowled Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah was stumped while charging, giving Leach 4-30 in his first Test since January.

Pakistan’s second-innings total of 220 wasn’t enough to avoid the loss, marking England's victory despite conceding 556 runs in Pakistan’s first innings. No team had ever allowed such a high total in a Test and then gone on to win by an innings. This triumph also extended England’s streak of winning games after conceding 500-plus totals, a feat previously achieved only in 1894.

England's victory was built on an extraordinary batting display. They posted their highest Test total since 1938, declaring at 823-7. Harry Brook scored a career-best 317, forming a record-breaking 454-run partnership with Joe Root, who contributed 262. Brook’s triple century was the first for England in 34 years.

With this win, England now have four consecutive Test victories in Pakistan and will aim to seal the series in the second Test, starting Tuesday at the same venue.

England’s Dominance in Pakistan Continues

Two years after their stunning 3-0 series sweep in Pakistan, England has added another memorable win to their record books. While this victory might not surpass their remarkable performance in Rawalpindi in 2022 or their victory over India in Hyderabad earlier this year, the sheer magnitude of the stats involved ensures this match will be remembered for years.

Despite facing a flat pitch and a weakened opposition, England's batting performance remains extraordinary. The win is even more commendable considering the tourists’ limited preparation, an inexperienced bowling lineup, and the absence of captain Ben Stokes, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury but may return for the second Test.

Leach Shines as England Wrap Up Victory

Chris Woakes set the tone by bowling Abdullah Shafique with the first ball of Pakistan’s second innings. By the fourth day’s end, Pakistan had collapsed to 152-6, with any hopes of avoiding an innings defeat slipping away. Aamer Jamal, dropped twice, survived a blow to the head from Brydon Carse but was eventually stranded on 55. 

Leach, stepping up on the final day, quickly removed Salman and picked up the remaining wickets in just four balls, securing England’s second-ever Test win by an innings in Asia and their first since 1976.