In the final session of day five of the first Test at Rawalpindi, England secured the win against Pakistan with a remarkable 74-run score thanks to the efforts of fast bowlers Ollie Robinson and James Anderson, who took 4-50 and 4-36 respectively.
Pakistan had only needed 86 more runs to win and with five wickets remaining after tea, but England’s aggressive and bold tactics paid off. With an unconventional bat and ball approach by Stokes, the team was rewarded with a first England away win in 12 Tests on a pitch where just 14 wickets fell across all five days when Australia visited in March.
On the fourth evening before the match, Stokes made a risky declaration, inviting Pakistan to push for victory while leaving enough time for his bowling attack to make their own play.
While the team’s relentless bowling performance justified the skipper’s declaration, it was boosted by England’s astonishing rate – 6.50 in the first innings and 7.36 in the second.
When interviewed about the team’s win, Stokes claimed it was one of his proudest achievements in an England shirt.
“I think it’s probably one of the best,” he said. “To be able to get a result on this type of wicket is mind-blowing and the effort that everyone has managed to put in this whole week is just incredible.
This is England’s first Test tour of Pakistan since 2005. The second Test will be in Multan from December 9 to 13.