Sajid Khan shines in Pakistan's first home soil victory since Feb 2021

SpinnersSajid Khan and Noman Ali claimed all 20 English wickets in the second Test match.

Pakistan ended its long-standing home Test losing streak after three years, eight months, and 11 days by bowling out England for 144 runs in the second match of the three-Test series.

The spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan took all 20 wickets, leading their team to a crucial victory in Multan that leveled the series.

Sajid Khan was named Player of the Match for his impressive nine-wicket haul and expressed gratitude to the crowd for their support.

In just nine Test matches, Sajid has showcased strong performances across 17 innings, bowling a total of 2,148 balls and conceding 1,158 runs.

He has claimed 34 wickets, with a best bowling figure of 8 for 42 in an innings against Bangladesh at Mirpur and 12 for 128 in a match. His bowling average stands at 34.05, an economy rate of 3.23, and a strike rate of 63.1, indicating both effectiveness and efficiency.

Notably, he has recorded one four-wicket haul, two five-wicket hauls, and a ten-wicket match haul, underscoring his ability to take crucial wickets and significantly contribute to his team’s success.

Sajid Khan is a right-handed batsman and right-arm off-break bowler, known for his valuable contributions as a bowling allrounder.

His cricket journey began with Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) and extended to representing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Pakistan Shaheens.

Consistent domestic performances earned him a stint with Somerset, where he gained essential international experience.

Making his debut for the national team, Sajid quickly established himself with impressive bowling displays in Test matches, playing a pivotal role in crucial victories.

His knack for delivering wickets at critical junctures has made him an essential part of Pakistan’s spin attack.

Sajid Khan made his Test debut for Pakistan against Zimbabwe from April 29 to May 1, 2021, and played his last Test match against England from October 15 to 18, 2024.

Meanewhile, Noman Ali has excelled in 16 Test matches across 30 innings, bowling a total of 3,475 balls and conceding 1,723 runs.

He has taken 58 wickets, with a remarkable best bowling figure of 8 for 46 in an innings and 11 for 147 in a match.

His bowling average is an impressive 29.70, with an economy rate of 2.97 and a strike rate of 59.9.

He has achieved one four-wicket haul, five five-wicket hauls, and one ten-wicket match haul, highlighting his capacity to deliver impactful performances and contribute significantly to his team's success.

Pakistan’s decision to focus on a spin-heavy attack in the second Test against England raised eyebrows, signaling a notable shift in their strategy.

This approach marks a departure from their pace-reliant tactics in the previous match at Multan.

Commentators Ramiz Raja and Michael Atherton both highlighted this adjustment, with Atherton describing it as a "remarkable shift in policy." The match at the Multan Cricket Stadium followed Pakistan’s heavy defeat in the first Test, adding further significance to their revised strategy.

In the first Test, despite posting an impressive 556 runs in their first innings, Pakistan suffered a defeat by an innings and 47 runs.

The flat Multan pitch allowed England to amass over 800 runs before declaring, leaving Pakistan's batters unable to match the pressure in their second innings. England's dominant victory drew strong criticism, particularly after Pakistan had already lost a home series to Bangladesh.

For the second Test, Pakistan revamped their lineup, resting key players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah.

Kamran Ghulam was brought in for his debut, replacing Babar. The team shifted its focus to a spin-heavy attack, with Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Zahid Mahmood leading the bowling. Abrar