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Noman Ali, Sajid Khan take 97.5 percent wickets
27 Oct, 2024
The two picked 39 of the 40 wickets in the last two Tests and their performance helped Pakistan defeat England in the final two Tests – first by 152 runs and then by nine wickets – and win the series 2-1
Pakistan spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan turned the tables back on England, creating a record of sorts by sharing 39 of the 40 wickets in the final two Test matches of the series.
Their performance helped Pakistan defeat England in the final two Tests – first by 152 runs and then by nine wickets – and win the series 2-1.
The only wicket they didn’t take was scalped by leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood. The Noman-Sajid duo took 97.5% of the England wickets in the final two Test matches.
The performance marked a remarkable comeback for Pakistan, who finally decided to produce spin-friendly surfaces to stop the England ‘Bazball’ which does well on batting tracks but struggles on pitches where the ball stops before coming.
“For everyone to stand up and give their best means a lot,” said Pakistan skipper Shan Masood.
“The team was gelling well together, we play domestic cricket together, on these kinds of wickets, so there wasn't that much pressure,” said off-spinner Sajid Khan.
England skipper Ben Stokes was disappointed.
“We got thrown some challenges over these last two games and weren't able to stand up to them. Credit to Pakistan. You get thrown challenges all over the world, in a couple of weeks we go to New Zealand and we'll have to try to match them as well.”
Pakistan cricket, England cricket, ICC, World Test Championship, WTC, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan