Multan, Oct 11 (FN Bureau) England secured a comprehensive victory over Pakistan by an innings and 47 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series at the Multan Cricket Stadium.The match concluded on Friday, with Pakistan falling short in their second innings. Pakistan resumed day four on 152 for six, but could only manage 220 in 54.5 overs. Abrar Ahmed was unable to bat due to illness, leaving Pakistan a player short. Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan’s top scorer in the second innings with 63 off 84 balls, was the first wicket to fall on the day, after building a crucial 109-run partnership with Aamir Jamal, who remained unbeaten on 55.
England’s Jack Leach was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets, including key dismissals of Salman, Shaheen Shah Afridi (10), and Naseem Shah (6). Brydon Carse and Gus Atkinson also chipped in with two wickets each. Earlier, England posted a mammoth 823 for 7 declared in their first innings, driven by a record-breaking 317 from Harry Brook and 262 from Joe Root.Pakistan had initially put up a strong first-innings total of 556, but it proved insufficient as they struggled in the follow-on. The second Test is set to begin at the same venue on 15 October. Scores in brief: Pakistan: 556 all out (149 overs) & 220 all out (54.5 overs)England: 823-7 declared (150 overs)