England secured a commanding victory over Pakistan in the first Test in Multan on Friday, winning by an innings and 47 runs. Spinner Jack Leach led the charge, taking 4-30 on the final day to dismantle Pakistan’s lower order, sealing England’s fourth consecutive Test win on Pakistani soil. This victory also continues their dominance after a 3-0 series sweep two years ago.
Pakistan, resuming on 82-6, showed brief resistance with a 109-run partnership between Salman Agha (63) and Aamer Jamal. However, Leach ended their fightback by dismissing Salman and then quickly wrapping up the innings by removing Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. Pakistan were bowled out for 200, unable to field their last batsman Abrar Ahmed, who was hospitalized with a fever.
The victory was set up by a record-breaking 454-run stand between Harry Brook and Joe Root. Brook smashed 317, while Root scored 262, helping England post a mammoth total of 823-7 declared. Their partnership is now England’s highest for any wicket in Test cricket. Pakistan had initially posted an impressive 556 in their first innings, but England’s dominant response left the hosts with an uphill battle.
Root’s innings also saw him become England’s highest run-scorer in Test history. Stand-in captain Ollie Pope praised the bowlers for their ability to extract reverse swing and spin on a lifeless pitch, with Gus Atkinson taking 2-46 and debutant Brydon Carse 2-66.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood expressed his frustration, lamenting how his team failed to capitalize on their strong first innings. Pakistan has now gone 11 home Tests without a win, with their last victory dating back to February 2021 against South Africa.
The second Test is set to begin at the same venue on Tuesday, followed by the third Test in Rawalpindi on October 24.
