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England seal another epic win to claim Pakistan series

England seal another epic win to claim Pakistan series
© Reuters
England secure their Test series with Pakistan with one match to spare after claiming an enthralling victory in Multan, this time by 28 runs.

Ben Stokes's England side added another epic victory to their collection by sealing a 28-run over Pakistan in Multan, securing a series triumph in the process.

While the second Test did not possess the same level of run-scoring as in Rawalpindi, the drama remained on a similar level, Pakistan heading into the fourth day requiring 157 runs while having six wickets in hand.

However, despite an 80-run partnership for the sixth wicket, Pakistan could not get over the line, England's seam bowlers doing the damage to seal a famous triumph on the subcontinent.

Monday's play had initially started perfectly for England, Joe Root picking up the wicket of Faheem Ashraf, but Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Nawaz stifled England and put on 80 in in nearly 22 overs.

Nevertheless, England produced match-winning cricket just before lunch, Mark Wood dismissing Nawaz (45) and Shakeel (94) in quick succession with Pope taking two fine catches, the second of which was only confirmed after the longest on reviews.

Pakistan had been left needing 67 with three wickets in hand, but Abrar Ahmed's lively 17 came to an end after 12 balls, James Anderson getting in on the act.

With Agha Salman at the crease, Pakistan still had hope, but Wood and Ollie Robinson took the wickets of the final two batsmen for ducks, leaving Salman unbeaten on 20.

Stokes has now won eight of his nine Test matches in charge, an astonishing turnaround after losing 11 of the previous 17, and he talked up his team's achievements after the end of play.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Stokes said: "Incredible to have finished the Test and be 2-0 up in the series. Huge credit again to the effort put in this week and carrying on a way that has been successful in the last six-seven months.

"It was a challenge with the wicket but the way the batters applied themselves was fantastic. We kept the scoreboard ticking even though wickets were falling.

"Coming to the subcontinent is always a tough place. We know what we have achieved this week. We know it is not unheard of but very rare to do. We will take it all in. These series victories and wins are part of a much bigger picture of what we are trying to achieve."

The two teams will now benefit from an extra rest day as they begin to think about the third and final Test, which begins in Karachi on Saturday.

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Written by
Darren Plant

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Ben Stokes in action for England on January 26, 2020
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