'Pakistan cricket is back': Shahid Afridi after emphatic series win over England

NEW DELHI: Noman Ali and Sajid Khan 's exceptional performances sealed Pakistan's historic 2-1 series victory over England, following their 9-wicket triumph in the third Test on Saturday in Rawalpindi.


Pakistan rewrote records by defying the odds and turning the series around, marking their first home Test series win in over three years and their first since the previous four-Test series.

Despite Joe Root and Harry Brook's efforts to pull England back into the mix on Day 3, Pakistan made crucial changes to their squad after the embarrassing loss in Multan.

The management boldly included Noman and Sajid, a decision that proved favorable for Pakistan.

The spin duo impressed everyone with their performance in the second Test, with Sajid claiming 9 wickets and Noman bagging 11 in Pakistan's 152-run victory, leveling the series 1-1.

A match-defining knock of 1️⃣3️⃣4️⃣ to steer Pakistan to a healthy lead 👏@saudshak is the player of the match 🏆#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/Fnw1JjEfoE

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 26, 2024

In the decisive third Test in Rawalpindi, Sajid and Noman maintained their impressive form, with Sajid taking 10 wickets and Noman claiming 9 in Pakistan's resounding nine-wicket win, securing a come-from-behind 2-1 series victory against England.

Pakistan win the series 2️⃣-1️⃣ ✅#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/JKhdUHNUk7

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 26, 2024

Former England captain Michel Vaughan took to social media and lauded Pakistan's win.

"Fantastic series win for Pakistan .. As soon as the pitches started to spin they dominated England .. It happened in India last year and now Pakistan .. Englands high risk strategy doesn’t work against the spinning ball .. #PAKvsENG," Vaughan said.

Fantastic series win for Pakistan .. As soon as the pitches started to spin they dominated England .. It happened in India last year and now Pakistan .. Englands high risk strategy doesn’t work against the spinning ball .. #PAKvsENG

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 26, 2024

Former captain Shahid Afridi said ' Pakistan cricket is back'.

Pakistan, you absolute beauty!

Only Pakistan could shake off the disappointment of the first Test with such a bold and inspiring turnaround. Noman and Sajid let their skills speak volumes, spinning webs around England’s lineup, while the batters, especially Saud Shakeel in the…

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) October 26, 2024

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram also took to social media and lauded team's win.

Very impressive series win at Rawalpindi … I hope this victory will take Pakistan cricket forward. It was an impressive comeback after losing the toss but strategy of employing spin pitches in the last two Tests worked. As a former player I feel hurt at a defeat … so happy…

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) October 26, 2024

MASSIVE CONGRATS to Pakistan on their thrilling series win against England! What an incredible display of skill & determination! This victory proves that a positive mindset & teamwork can triumph over big names & odds! pic.twitter.com/FLiHxbAxem

— Umar Akmal (@Umar96Akmal) October 26, 2024

🏏 A thumping win by Pakistan over England to seal the series! Dominant performances all around, showing grit and skill. 🇵🇰 Bravo, Team Pakistan! Onwards and upwards! 💪 #PAKvENG #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/pEV8avyJxf

— Mansoor Rana (@mansoorrana205) October 26, 2024

A mighty 6️⃣ to seal a memorable series triumph 👌

Pakistan beat England in just over two days in the series decider 👏#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/8KIVaqVIXi

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 26, 2024

WE DID IT! 🇵🇰

Pakistan beats England in Test series at home. Sajid Khan & Nauman Ali, you two spun a web around them, proud of you 🫶🏽#PAKvENG #IamGAME pic.twitter.com/iYRwf4KnnA

— Imam Ul Haq (@ImamUlHaq12) October 26, 2024

Shan Masood smashes a 6 to win Pakistan an extraordinary test match. He had to endure whitewashes against Australia and Bangladesh. To win this series against England after going one down will be a sweet feeling for Pakistan's captain. A moment he richly deserves... #PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/7Oq4TAHwSW

— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) October 26, 2024

Pakistan triumph in Rawalpindi.

Congratulations to the hosts on the series victory 🇵🇰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/HSBdOlURXW

— England's Barmy Army 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) October 26, 2024

Sajid's outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Series award.