PAK vs ENG 2024: Top 3 performers from Test series

Pakistan vs England Test Series. (Source – Getty Images)

After a defeat by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test, Pakistan bounced back remarkably and won the series 2-1 against England. The Shan Masood-led side dropped a few marquee cricketers like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah from the Test series after the first game but that didn’t impact them at all and eventually, Pakistan played much better cricket.

England, on the other hand, didn’t look ready to tackle the spin unit of Pakistan. Ben Stokes reflected upon that after the third Test and noted they were not ready for the challenge and expects the players to bounce back the next time. They started the series well with a triple century from Harry Brook and some crucial knocks from Joe Root but other than that, not a lot went in their favour.

Pakistan used the conditions well, which favoured them massively. On top of that, the replacements walked the talk and got the job done, helping Pakistan register their first home Test series win since 2021. Meanwhile, it has been a thrilling series and here are the top three performers from it:

3. Saud Shakeel

Saud Shakeel. (Source – Getty Images)

Pakistan vice-captain Saud Shakeel played a vital innings of 134 runs in the third Test in Rawalpindi. The hosts were in trouble at one point, losing four wickets in 99 runs. Shakeel took care of the business and put pressure on the visitors as Pakistan posted 344 runs in the first innings, taking a lead of 77 runs.

Shakeel also scored a half-century in the first Test in Multan. Overall, the 29-year-old has scored 280 runs in three games and finished as the top run-getter for Pakistan and the third-leading run-scorer of the series.

2. Sajid Khan

Sajid Khan. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Spinner Sajid Khan had a series to remember. He wasn’t part of the squad in the first Test and ended up clinching 19 wickets in just two games. The 31-year-old picked up nine wickets in the second Test in Multan and bettered that with 10 in Rawalpindi. He has been exceptional for the team and with that performance, the Khyber-born has definitely sealed his spot in the playing XI.

Also Read – This series win against England is for the people of Pakistan who have suffered a lot with us: Shan Masood

Apart from bowling, Sajid also contributed some crucial runs with the bat in the second innings of the third Test. Batting at number 10, he made an unbeaten 48 runs, which helped Pakistan post 344 runs in the first innings.

1. Noman Ali

Noman Ali and Pakistan Team. (Photo Source: PCB)

Sajid’s spin partner Noman Ali had an extraordinary series as well. He picked up 20 wickets in just two games and it was because of them, that Pakistan were able to stage a comeback against a quality team like England. Like Sajid, Noman was initially not a part of the squad and was brought into the attack in the second game.

In Multan, he picked up an eight-wicket haul in the second innings and in Rawalpindi, the 38-year-old managed a six-wicket haul. Apart from that, he also contributed with the bat, scoring 45 runs in the third Test. Overall, he scored 78 runs in two matches, which is remarkable for a number-nine batter.