England’s cricketers have recorded a historic – and dramatic – win over Pakistan to take a 1-0 lead of their check sequence.
With the solar taking place on the ultimate day of a gripping five-day check match in Rawalpindi, Ben Stokes’s aspect claimed the ultimate wicket to seal a historic 74-run win in opposition to the house crew.
The win is England’s first in opposition to Pakistan in their very own again backyard for the reason that well-known victory at midnight in Karachi in 2000.
It comes initially of the primary sequence to be performed in opposition to the south Asian aspect on their house turf for 17 years, with Pakistan’s house matches in opposition to England within the final decade and a half moved to the United Arab Emirates.
In Rawalpindi, spinner Jack Leach claimed the ultimate wicket, trapping fast-bowler Naseem Shah LBW to finish Pakistan’s second innings wanting their 343-run chase.
Stokes is simply the third England captain to guide his aspect to victory in Pakistan, after Nasser Hussain in 2000 and Ted Dexter in 1961.
The match ended with Pakistan frantically attempting to cling on for a draw on the finish of 5 days of intense motion between the 2 sides.
England had batted fantastically of their first innings, with centuries for Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett, to finish with 657 runs.
But Pakistan fought again fantastically to submit their very own first innings rating of 579 all out.
After scoring 264-7 declared within the second innings, giving a lead of 343, Stokes then dangled the carrot of an achievable run chase in entrance of Pakistan captain Barbar Azam, who pushed his aspect on.
Pakistan have been favourites at tea on day 5, having turned their in a single day 80-2 into 257-5 and needing only a additional 86 runs to take a 1-0 lead.
But Ollie Robinson cracked the sport open for England by eradicating set batters Agha Salman and Azhar Ali.
England will now start to stay up for Friday’s second check in Multan.
Speaking after the sport, Stokes stated: “One thing we try and do is focus on ourselves, rather than the opposition. We know we are a very exciting team and it’s a great batting surface, so it was a real opportunity for the batters.
“We have gotten some damaged our bodies after that. It’s wonderful to see the quantity of enthusiasm and coronary heart the lads confirmed. I do not assume I’ve seen a bunch of gamers who’ve put their our bodies on the traces [as much].”
Source: information.sky.com”