MULTAN: England secured a commanding victory against Pakistan, winning by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test on Friday. Spinner Jack Leach led the way, claiming four wickets and helping England take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Pakistan resumed the final day at 152-6 but could only add 68 runs, getting bowled out for 220. Leach was the star of England’s bowling attack, taking 4-30. Abrar Ahmed, who was unwell, did not bat, leaving Pakistan one player short.
Pakistan started the day poorly, with opener Abdullah Shafique getting dismissed for a duck on the second ball of the day. After their first innings total of 556 runs, Pakistan’s second innings crumbled, and they fell to 82-6.
Agha Salman, unbeaten on 41, and Mohammad Jamal, not out at 27, showed some resistance with a 70-run partnership, but it wasn’t enough to save the match. England declared their first innings at 823-7, which put them firmly in control of the game.
