For the first time in 147 years, Pakistan recorded a humiliating defeat in the Multan Test against England, setting an unwanted record despite a strong start.
In the Multan Test, despite scoring an impressive 556 in the first innings, the Pakistan cricket team experienced a staggering defeat by an innings and 47 runs. England responded with a colossal 823/7 declared. Pakistan’s second innings collapsed to 220, marking a historic loss—the first instance in Test cricket where a team has lost by an innings after posting over 500 in their first innings.
The unprecedented defeat was highlighted by exceptional performances from England’s Joe Root and Harry Brook, who scored double and triple centuries, respectively. Pakistan’s initial innings shone with centuries from Abdullah Shafique, captain Shan Masood, and Agha Salman, alongside Saud Shakeel’s commendable 84. However, the Pakistani bowlers struggled to make an impact, with England’s wickets falling more due to batsmen fatigue than effective bowling.
In their second innings, Pakistan failed to withstand England’s bowling assault. Agha Salman top-scored with 63, while Aamer Jamal remained not out at 55, but this effort was insufficient to avoid defeat, as England secured the victory by taking nine wickets.
Abrar Ahmed was absent from the batting lineup in the second innings due to hospitalization at the match’s end.
While numerous factors contributed to Pakistan’s dismal showing, a lack of cohesion and clear strategy under Shan Masood’s captaincy was evident. Star players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah have yet to reach peak performance.
Following a 0-2 home series defeat to Bangladesh, which served as a supposed wake-up call, Pakistan’s recent performance suggests the team has yet to fully address its shortcomings in dominating Asian conditions.
