Spinners combine for perfect 20 in Pakistan's Multan revenge

Pakistan spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan have become the first bowlers in over 50 years to account for all 20 opposition wickets as a pair in their side's victory over England in the second Test in Multan.

Left-arm orthodox spinner Noman Ali claimed seven of the eight wickets on day four to finish with 8/46 and 11/147 in the match, while Sajid, after taking 7/111 in the first innings, claimed 2/93 in the second innings to finish with Player of the Match honours.

The win was Pakistan's first home Test victory since 2021, as the two bowlers became the first pair to take all 20 wickets in a Test since Dennis Lillee and Bob Massie in 1972 at Lord's against England. It's only the seventh instance of two bowlers taking all 20 wickets in 2554 completed Test matches.

2nd Test, Pakistan v England, Scorecard

The victory was also the first for Shan Masood as Pakistan captain, who called the victoy a "relief" after their innings defeat to England in the first Test on the same Multan surface.

"This was a very important win for Pakistan cricket," Masood said.

"The recent results were unacceptable. There is relief. This is a long process and journey. It won't be fixed overnight.

"It's been three years and 10 months since we last won a Test at home. That's not acceptable for Pakistan cricket. We pride ourselves on how well we play this game and how we see ourselves as a team. For us to get a result and hopefully start something here in our own conditions is exciting.

"Going through that adverse situation for years and still getting a result: that's the character you want from your players, staff and cricket board. Everyone's responded well after the (first Test) loss which is very heartening."

The two teams travel to Rawalpindi for the third Test on Thursday.

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