NEW DELHI: Spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan led Pakistan to a decisive nine-wicket victory over England in the third Test, securing a 2-1 series win on Saturday.
Pakistan took control of the match after gaining a 77-run lead in the first innings on a spinner-friendly pitch. Noman Ali claimed six wickets for 42 runs, and Sajid Khan took four wickets for 69 runs, bowling England out for 112 in their second innings.
Pakistan needed only 36 runs to win the series. They lost Saim Ayub‘s wicket early but reached the target before lunch on the third day. Shan Masood hit four consecutive fours off Jack Leach and then a six off Shoaib Bashir to seal the victory.
Noman and Sajid took 19 of the 20 English wickets in this match, while Pakistan did not use their seamer Aamer Jamal. Over the last two Tests, the pair claimed 39 of the 40 English wickets.
England resumed their second innings on 24-3 but continued to lose wickets regularly. Joe Root was the only player who managed to score comfortably, making 33 runs before being dismissed by Noman.
England captain Ben Stokes was out lbw after not offering a shot to an incoming delivery from Noman, summarizing England’s struggle against Pakistan’s spinners.
This match completes Pakistan’s series victory, with their spinners playing a decisive role throughout.