Pakistan sealed an emphatic 71-run win in the third and final Test against England, inflicting a 3-0 series whitewash humiliation in the process.
Set a daunting 324-run target, England were bowled out for 252 with Umar Gul taking four for 61 and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal grabbing four for 67 to help Pakistan achieve their maiden Test clean sweep against their opponents. With the ball turning, it was always a difficult task for England, who have been unable to play the spinners throughout the series.
Pakistan won the first Test here by 10 wickets and the second by 72 runs in Abu Dhabi. The team also became the first team to win a Test after being bowled out for under 100 in the first-innings since 1907.
England, 89 for two at lunch, were still in with a chance with Alastair Cook (49) and Kevin Pietersen (18) batting well but they lost four wickets for 84 runs. Pietersen hit Abdul Rehman for a boundary and then a six but Ajmal struck from the other end, producing a beautiful delivery to bowl Pietersen through the gate. Ajmal then produced another good ball, which caught the edge of Cook’s bat and was held by a diving Younus Khan at first slip. Ian Bell (10) and Eoin Morgan (31) added 37 before Gul dismissed them in the space of three runs. Gul then dismissed Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann with the new ball. Matt Prior remained unbeaten on 49 while Monty Panesar was dismissed by Rehman for nine.
Michael Vaughan
“Pakistan have been outstanding, they’ve been a unit. I’ve been very impressed by their professionalism and their unity. They’ve got three bowlers who can bowl any team out.”
Javed Miandad
“Our bowlers did a splendid job but overall it was a team effort. The team is going on the right track and I congratulate them for the memorable success that they have achieved.”
Waqar Younis
“Pakistan have proved themselves with this remarkable performance. The team has shown great attitude, especially Misbah, who led the team from the front.”
Moin Khan
“After being dismissed for 99, the win is unbelievable and the team has achieved what we dreamed about. It has become a well-knitted unit while avoiding controversies.”
A slideshow of pictures of Pakistan’s victory in the third test match can be viewed here.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 7th, 2012.
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Simply fantastic! keep it up team Pakistan.....You're the best.