The spin tandem of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, who combined for 20 wickets in the second Test match to beat England by 152 runs in Multan on Friday, was praised by Pakistan skipper Shan Masood. The home team chose to play on the same field as last week’s series opener, making four changes to their starting lineup.

Three pacers from Pakistan (Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Zahid Mehmood) and one pacer (Aamer Jamal) were sent in, while right-hander Kamaran Ghulam made his Test debut. Sajid took nine wickets and was named Player of the Match, proving that the decision paid off for Pakistan. Conversely, Noman Ali claimed 11 wickets, including 8-46 in the second inning. To lead the team to 366 in the first inning, rookie Kamran Ghulam also got a century in his first-ever innings of cricket.

Regarding their performance in the game, Masood said he was happy with the outcome and gave Noman and Sajid credit for their outstanding performances.

“We’re simply happy that we were able to execute the strategy, secure 20 wickets, and support it with respectable first and second innings totals. A shift in tactics for us. We attempted to play Bangladeshi green seamers, but we were a little off. There are moments when you have to consider both the competition and what the terrain has to offer. In Multan, we haven’t played a lot of Test cricket. After the game, the captain said, “We thought, why not try to do something and make something like that since the only one was two years ago that offered some spin?”

“It’s never easy to take on new opponents, but Noman and Sajid seemed like two seasoned campaigners. We didn’t even need a third bowler in the second inning, which says a lot about them. In team sports, it’s all about putting in the field and chipping in those 20–30 runs. It’s a team effort. Jamal hit several crucial runs, while Zahid, who didn’t bowl much, was always there for the squad by dashing about. Everyone contributed, with Sajid and Noman emerging as the front-runners,” he said.

It was Masood’s first triumph as Test captain as well as Pakistan’s first Test victory at home after 11 games. “The first one is usually unique since it comes after a difficult period. Over the last week, a lot has transpired,” he said.

“The most fulfilling thing is for everyone to collaborate and devise a plan to choose 20 wickets and make it happen. You must congratulate the group. Their hunger has been present. There’s no denying the boys’ dedication and effort. Everyone will find it more meaningful as it comes after a period of hardship and hunger, “Masood said.

In addition, the home captain praised Kamran Ghulam for reaching his first Test hundred under duress. It’s never simple for Kami (Kamran Ghulam). When one of the world’s greatest hitters is being replaced… Even before he played his first Test match, I had come across some very horrific things to read. The amount of strain someone may be under is beyond my comprehension. However, we were all in his wake. He gave out the impression of belonging right away. It’s great to reach that century,” Masood said.

“Agha is a team player and possibly one of my favorite players. It’s unique for him to be able to perform under pressure and benefit the team. Along with some quite lovely little contributions, there have been several front-runners. Saim Ayub even performed with great maturity. “Everything came together, and that is the essence of a team effort,” he said.