Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi lauded Pakistan’s national cricket team for their “brilliant performance” in the recently concluded Test series, where they clinched a historic 2-1 victory over England. Naqvi commended the “outstanding skill” of spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, whose performances were pivotal in Pakistan’s success, and praised the “resilience” of centurion Saud Shakeel.

In the decisive third Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday, Pakistan handed England a crushing nine-wicket defeat, wrapping up the series with an emphatic win. Pakistan's spinners showcased a clinical display, dismantling England’s lineup for a mere 112 in their second innings. Noman Ali, with figures of 6-42, and Sajid Khan, who took 4-69, exposed England’s vulnerability on a turning pitch, resulting in England’s lowest-ever total in Pakistan. The hosts chased down the modest target of 36 runs in just 19 balls.

“The national players won by playing the best game. Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali proved their skills by bowling brilliantly. Saud Shakeel scored a century and showed excellent batting. The team put up a brilliant performance and won the Test series,” said PCB President Mohsin Naqvi in a statement released on Saturday.

“This win will boost the morale of the players. The players along with the nation were waiting for such a glorious victory. The new players justified their inclusion in the team with performances,” it further added.

Pakistan’s comeback was all the more remarkable after losing the first Test by an innings and 47 runs in Multan, marking their sixth consecutive defeat at home. The series win is particularly noteworthy under the leadership of Shan Masood, who claimed his first series victory as captain. Pakistan’s bold decision to make strategic changes—resting Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi in favor of spinners Sajid and Noman—proved crucial, with the duo capturing 39 of England’s 40 wickets.

This triumph ended Pakistan’s 11-match winless streak at home and marked a rare instance where Pakistan’s pace bowlers did not bowl a single delivery throughout the Test series.