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Leach takes centre stage as England claim emphatic win over Pakistan
Written by Sports Desk. Posted in Tests. | 11 October 2024 | 372 Views
Tags: Cricket, England, Pakistan

England sealed an innings and 47-run victory over Pakistan on Friday, with Jack Leach shining on day five.

After a dominant performance on day four, England went into the final three sessions within touching distance of what had seemed like an unlikely victory when Pakistan mounted 556 in their first innings.

Pakistan began the day requiring 115 to match England's huge total of 823-7, which Joe Root (264) and Harry Brook had propelled them to.

But with Abrar Ahmed unable to feature due to illness, Pakistan were left with just three wickets to play with, and Leach - playing in his first Test since January - needed little time to wrap up the victory.

Salman Agha (63) was trapped lbw inside four deliveries, while Shaheen Shah Afridi was caught and bowled on 10 before Leach's spin did for Naseem Shah, who was stumped by Jamie Smith to see Pakistan all out for 220.

Leach finished with figures of 4-30 as England celebrated an emphatic victory that gives them a 1-0 lead in the series ahead of the second Test, which will also be played in Multan, next week.

Data Debrief: Record breakers

England have now reeled off three straight wins when they have conceded a total over 500, a remarkable feat in and of itself.

In fact, this victory marks the first time a team has been hit for as many as 556, yet still gone on to win by an innings.

Pakistan, meanwhile, have now lost 11 Test matches on the bounce as hosts, and four in a row to England on home soil.