England’s Triumph in Multan: A Display of Record-Breaking Brilliance
In a staggering performance, England overcame Pakistan by an innings and 47 runs in Multan, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. This was a victory underpinned by relentless batting and resolute bowling, as England’s Jack Leach claimed the final three wickets on day five to complete an innings victory. Reflecting a record-breaking achievement, England became the only side to concede over 550 runs in the first innings and yet win by an innings, showcasing a truly memorable display of resilience and skill.
Leach’s Spell Seals the Victory
Starting the final day with Pakistan at 152-6 and Abrar Ahmed absent due to illness, England needed just four wickets for victory. While Salman Agha and Aamer Jamal briefly frustrated England with a 109-run stand, Leach’s sharp left-arm spin soon broke through. He dismissed Salman lbw for 63 before taking a fine caught-and-bowled off Shaheen Shah Afridi. Leach then sealed the game by stumping Naseem Shah, giving him figures of 4-30 and England a resounding innings victory.
Pakistan’s eventual collapse for 220 marked another low for the hosts, who have been winless at home in 11 Test matches. For England, it was an innings win underpinned by the remarkable first-innings total of 823-7 declared, featuring Harry Brook’s sensational 317 and Joe Root’s 262. The triumph was England’s third consecutive Test win in Pakistan, marking a commanding start to the series.
Record-Breaking Numbers with the Bat
This performance was one for the record books. Harry Brook’s 317 was the first triple century for an England batsman in 34 years, while his 454-run partnership with Joe Root became England’s highest for any wicket in Test history. The colossal total of 823-7 declared also represented England’s largest Test score since 1938, underscoring the sheer dominance of their batting.
England’s response to Pakistan’s imposing first innings of 556 was extraordinary. Despite the flat pitch, the tourists’ batters exhibited unwavering focus and patience. Root’s sublime double century and Brook’s monumental innings illustrated the tenacity and discipline required to thrive in the sub-continental conditions. Despite Pakistan’s record-breaking first innings, they found themselves overwhelmed by the relentless nature of England’s batting display.

England’s Bowling Steps Up
It wasn’t just the batsmen who impressed. England’s bowlers rose to the occasion, with Chris Woakes setting the tone in Pakistan’s second innings by bowling Abdullah Shafique with the very first ball. Despite a pitch that offered little assistance, England’s attack showed creativity and determination. Brydon Carse’s short-pitched bowling and Leach’s accuracy proved crucial as they tore through Pakistan’s batting line-up.
Pakistan’s struggle was evident from the start, particularly as they fell from 50-2 to 152-6 on day four. By the time Leach wrapped things up, the hosts had all but resigned themselves to defeat. England, in contrast, demonstrated that their blend of experience and youth can deliver even in the most challenging conditions. As they head into the second Test, they do so with a newfound confidence and a clear upper hand.
Pakistan’s Plight: Seeking Solutions
This defeat extends a worrying pattern for Pakistan, who have endured a torrid run in Test cricket. Despite posting an impressive 556 in the first innings, they crumbled in the second, their inconsistency once again proving costly. Captain Shan Masood’s inability to galvanise his team has left questions about the leadership. While talented, the likes of Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi failed to make the necessary impact in Multan, underscoring the need for a more cohesive team effort.
The absence of leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who missed the second innings due to illness, further exposed Pakistan’s limited bowling options. With the second Test only days away, Pakistan face an uphill struggle to regroup. Changes are likely, but given the short turnaround, the path to recovery looks challenging.
The defeat is all the more painful as Pakistan has now gone 11 home Tests without a win, a statistic that places the team under significant pressure to find form.