Pakistan’s Victory Over England in Multan Raises Questions About Pace Attack

Pakistan secured a significant victory against England in the second Test match at Multan, with spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan taking all 20 wickets. This win marks Pakistan’s first Test triumph at home in nearly three years, a milestone that came without key players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah, who have been mainstays across formats for the national side.

The absence of these star players allowed Pakistan to give opportunities to domestic performers like Sajid Khan, who had previously excelled in tough conditions against teams like Bangladesh and Australia. After a period of limited opportunities, Sajid’s return proved crucial, with him and Noman Ali delivering match-winning performances. One took 11 wickets, the other 9, showcasing the strength of Pakistan’s spin department.

However, the reliance on spin raises questions about Pakistan’s traditional fast-bowling dominance. While England’s pacers managed to claim seven wickets in the match, Pakistan’s two fast bowlers couldn’t take a single wicket, despite the home conditions. Pakistan has long been known for producing world-class fast bowlers who can reverse swing the ball, yet in this game, none of that was evident.

This shift in strategy may reflect a broader trend in cricket, where past strengths cannot always be relied upon for future success. Despite the victory, Pakistan still needs quality pacers, as spinners typically come into play when the ball gets older.

The decision to play on a previously used pitch, knowing it would aid spin after several days, paid off. But concerns linger about whether this approach will work on different pitches, such as in Rawalpindi, where conditions may not favor spinners as much.

Pakistan captain Shahan Masood’s decision to bat first was critical. Had England batted first, with their stronger pace attack, the game might have unfolded differently.

England’s Brydon Carse, though relatively inexperienced, outperformed Pakistan’s pacers, suggesting a need for Pakistan to balance their spin-heavy approach with improved pace options.

Kamran Ghulam’s century on debut was another highlight for Pakistan. His ability to handle spin was impressive, though questions remain about how he will perform in foreign conditions. Nonetheless, his contribution was a positive sign in an evolving Pakistani team.

Looking ahead, Pakistan must address the imbalance in their attack. Relying too heavily on spinners without a strong pace option could backfire in future matches. The upcoming Test in Rawalpindi, where conditions are expected to be different, will be a key test of whether Pakistan can find that balance.

If Pakistan continues to depend on spin, they will need to ensure their fast bowlers can provide early breakthroughs. Spinners may control the middle overs, but it is essential for pacers to set the tone early, taking wickets in the first 15-20 overs. Without this, relying solely on spinners could leave Pakistan vulnerable, especially if the toss doesn’t go their way in future matches.