Experience the thrilling action of the Pakistan vs England 1st Test match, where Harry Brook’s record-breaking triple century and Joe Root’s stellar performance led England to a commanding victory. Catch all the highlights, key moments, and expert analysis from this epic showdown in Multan!
The first Test match of the 2024 series between Pakistan and England took place at the Multan Cricket Stadium, captivating fans with its thrilling moments and dramatic turns. England established dominance early on, posting a staggering total of 823 runs in their first innings. Harry Brook was the star of the show, scoring a record-breaking triple century, while Joe Root supported him with a formidable 262 runs. Their partnership laid a solid foundation for England, leaving Pakistan with a monumental task ahead.
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first, but their decision quickly backfired. The English bowlers, led by Chris Woakes and debutant Brydon Carse, made early inroads into the Pakistani batting lineup. Woakes struck gold on the very first ball of the match, dismissing Abdullah Shafique for a golden duck. This early breakthrough set the tone for England’s relentless attack throughout the innings.
As Pakistan struggled to find their footing, Babar Azam’s lean patch continued. He fell cheaply again, contributing only a few runs before being caught behind off Gus Atkinson’s bowling. The pressure mounted as Pakistan’s top order crumbled under the weight of England’s disciplined bowling. By the end of their first innings, Pakistan had managed only 209 runs, leaving them trailing significantly.
In response, England’s batting was nothing short of spectacular. Harry Brook innings was a masterclass in aggression and timing. He scored boundaries at will, showcasing his ability to dominate bowlers. Joe Root complemented him perfectly, anchoring the innings and ensuring that England built a substantial lead. Their partnership was pivotal in setting up an imposing total that left Pakistan with little room for error.
As Pakistan prepared for their second innings, they faced an uphill battle. Forced to follow on, they needed to display resilience to avoid an innings defeat. However, their struggles continued as they lost wickets at regular intervals. The middle order faltered under pressure, and only Aamer Jamal and Salman Agha managed to put together a fighting partnership that briefly raised hopes for the Pakistani fans.
Day four saw Pakistan teetering at 82/6 before Agha and Jamal steadied the ship with a crucial partnership of 70 runs. Their efforts provided some respite for Pakistan as they fought to extend the match into the final day. However, it was clear that they were still facing an uphill task against a confident English bowling attack.
On day five, England aimed to wrap up the match quickly. With just a few wickets needed to secure victory by an innings, they maintained relentless pressure on the Pakistani batsmen. The cracks in the pitch began to play tricks on even the most skilled players, leading to unpredictable bounce and movement that further complicated matters for Pakistan.
As wickets continued to tumble for Pakistan, it became evident that an innings defeat was looming large. The English bowlers executed their plans flawlessly, maintaining tight lines and lengths while exploiting any hint of movement available in the pitch. Jack Leach’s introduction added further woes for Pakistan as he took crucial wickets early in his spell.
Despite some resistance from Agha and Jamal, who showed commendable fighting spirit, it was not enough to save Pakistan from defeat. The final session saw England claiming wickets at regular intervals as they closed in on victory. Ultimately, Pakistan was bowled out for 300 runs in their second innings, handing England a comprehensive victory by an innings and 47 runs.
This match highlighted both teams strengths and weaknesses moving forward in the series. For England, it was a showcase of their batting depth and bowling versatility. They demonstrated their ability to dominate with both bat and ball while setting high standards for future matches.
Conversely, Pakistan will need to reassess their strategies after this defeat. Babar Azam’s form remains a concern as he continues to struggle with consistency at the crease. The team will need to regroup quickly as they look ahead to upcoming matches in this series.
Fans had mixed reactions following this encounter; while English supporters celebrated their team’s dominant performance, Pakistani fans expressed disappointment but remained hopeful for better results in future matches. This Test match also holds historical significance as it adds another chapter to the long-standing rivalry between these two cricketing nations.
As both teams prepare for future encounters in this series, there is much anticipation regarding how they will respond after this thrilling match in Multan. The lessons learned from this Test will be invaluable as they look ahead to improve their performances on the international stage.
With cricket being such an unpredictable sport, fans can expect more excitement in upcoming matches as both teams strive for supremacy in this series. The rivalry between Pakistan and England continues to evolve, promising more thrilling encounters in the future as both teams aim for glory on the international stage.
Pakistan vs England Player of The Match:
