Cricket

Pakistan's cricket team has finally broken a three-year drought on home soil, defeating England by 152 runs in the second Test in Multan. The victory levels the three-match series 1-1.The win is a significant achievement for Pakistan, which has struggled in recent years. The team's new selection committee made some bold changes to the squad for the last two Tests, dropping star batter Babar Azam and pacer Shaheen Afridi. The decision was met with mixed reactions, but it ultimately proved to be the right call.Noman Ali and Sajid Khan were the heroes for Pakistan, taking 8-46 and 2-93 respectively to wrap up England's second innings for 144. The visitors were set a daunting target of 297, which proved to be too much.The 152-run victory is Pakistan's first home win since February 2021. It is also a major boost for the team's confidence, which had been dented by a heavy defeat in the first Test.The final Test of the series will start in Rawalpindi on October 24. Pakistan will be hoping to complete a famous series victory over England.

Pakistan's first innings extended by 99 runs on the second morning in Multan, reaching 358 for 8 at lunch. England's bowlers made early inroads, but a ninth-wicket stand of 49 between Aamer Jamal and Noman Ali thwarted their progress.Carse struck early, dismissing Mohammad Rizwan for 41. Agha Salman countered with boundaries off Carse and Potts, but Potts eventually had him caught for 53. Jack Leach claimed Sajid Khan for 19, leaving Pakistan vulnerable at 309 for 8.However, Jamal and Noman showed resilience, adding 49 runs for the ninth wicket. Jamal, despite hip discomfort, remained unbeaten on 37, while Noman played a range of deft sweeps and pulled Brydon Carse for four.England's bowlers, despite a productive start, were unable to break through the Jamal-Noman partnership. Pakistan's innings was characterized by a mix of early wickets and late resistance, setting up an intriguing contest in the second session.

Pakistan's selectors have recalled left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi for the first Test against England, scheduled to commence on October 7 in Multan. Afridi's inclusion comes after a brief omission from the team due to a decline in form.Seasoned left-arm spinner Noman Ali has also been added to the squad, replacing pace bowler Khurrum Shehzad, who remains sidelined with an injury sustained during the Bangladesh series. All-rounder Aamer Jamal, who missed the Bangladesh series due to fitness concerns, has been retained following his recovery.The remainder of the squad consists of players who featured in the recent Bangladesh series. Head coach Jason Gillespie has requested the withdrawal of selected players from the ongoing Champions Cup ODI event in Faisalabad to provide them with rest ahead of the England series.Pakistan Test Squad:* Shan Masood (Captain)* Saud Shakil (Vice-Captain)* Babar Azam* Muhammad Rizwan* Abdullah Shafique* Muhammad Huraira* Saim Ayub* Salman Ali Agha* Sarfaraz Ahmed* Aamer Jamal* Noman Ali* Abrar Ahmed* Mir Hamza* Shaheen Shah Afridi* Naseem Shah