Sajid Khan is first spinner to take 10 wickets in a Test

Offspinner’s stellar performance ended Pakistan’s three-year home Test drought with 2-1 victory over England

Pakistan spinner Sajid Khan delivered a historic performance at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, claiming his first 10-wicket haul in Test cricket and helping Pakistan clinch the three-match series 2-1 against England.

Sajid’s feat marks the first time any spinner has achieved a 10-wicket haul at the venue, a record that led Pakistan to a nine-wicket victory over England.

In a standout display, Sajid took six wickets in England's first innings with figures of 6/128, followed by a four-wicket haul in the second, ultimately finishing the match with 10/197.

The off-spinner’s efforts, coupled with left-arm spinner Noman Ali’s nine wickets, saw England dismissed for just 112 runs in their second innings, leaving Pakistan a modest 36 runs to chase. Pakistan completed the chase with ease, securing the Test series win.

Sajid’s impactful bowling saw him dismiss key England players in the second innings, including Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, and Rehan Ahmed.

His previous best match figures were in the second Test in Multan, but his performance in Rawalpindi surpassed that, sealing Pakistan’s comeback after a loss in the first Test. He ended the series with an impressive 19 wickets at an average of 21.11 across two matches.

Bloodied chin

Sajid also battled an unexpected injury during the match after an attempted lap shot against Rehan Ahmed ricocheted, hitting his chin and requiring stitches.

Reflecting on the injury, Sajid said, “Playing for the country, so such things don't matter. My duty is to support the batters. Today, I had to back Saud [Shakeel].”

Sajid added that he and Saud intentionally used Urdu commands to mislead England’s bowlers, including Rehan and Shoaib, who understood the language.

This tactic helped to prompt an attacking field change, allowing Saud and Sajid to capitalize on loose deliveries.

With this performance, Sajid Khan has not only scripted history in Rawalpindi but also delivered a memorable Test series win for Pakistan against a resilient England side.