Last update:October 26, 2024, 10:25 p.m. IST

Masood’s team beat England by nine wickets in the third and final Test in three days in Rawalpindi for a 2-1 series victory.

Shan Masood scored his first series win as captain. (Image: X)

Captain Shan Masood said Pakistan needed stability to build on Saturday’s memorable win over England, their first home Test series win in almost four years.

Masood’s team beat England by nine wickets in the third and final Test in three days in Rawalpindi for a 2-1 series victory.

England destroyed Pakistan by an innings in the first Test, before the hosts hit back and their spinners did most of the damage.

“Like London buses, they come together,” a relieved Masood told reporters.

“The first victory came after a long time and it was supported by a series victory. It’s special.

Until Pakistan equalized in Multan last week, Masood’s tenure had been marred by a run of six successive defeats, including a 2-0 defeat at home to Bangladesh.

He faced loud calls for his resignation.

Pakistan cricket has struggled in all formats recently, with a revolving door of leaders overseeing chopping and change among players and management.

“For me, the most important thing is progress,” Masood said.

“The Pakistani team needs stability at the moment,” he added. “But when we believe changes are necessary to put the team on the path to victory, we will do so.”

Spinners Noman Ali grabbed 6-42 and Sajid Khan 4-69 to bowl England out for 112 in 37.2 overs.

The duo did not feature in the first Test, which saw England post a record first-innings score of 823 and led to the elimination of star players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Noman and Sajid combined for a spectacular tally of 39 wickets in the next two Tests, tearing apart England’s batting and delivering a famous series triumph.

“Noman and Sajid were outstanding, as they were in the second Test,” Masood said. “To be here and be the winning team, that’s the most special thing for us.”

Between the duo’s magic tricks in England’s two innings, Pakistan were buoyed by a tough century from middle-order batter Saud Shakeel, ensuring they had vital runs to defend.

“People have grown in stature,” Masood said. “It’s about the whole team and their spirit.”

Saturday’s match ended with Masood smashing Shoaib Bashir for six runs to reach the target of 36 runs in 3.1 overs before lunch.

Pakistan will then play a two-Test series in South Africa in December.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – AFP)

Location :

Rawalpindi, Pakistan