Ben Stokes (right) offers to shake hands with Mohammad Ali in Multan Test.©Twitter
England secured a hard-fought 26-run victory over Pakistan in the second Test at Multan on Monday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Mark Wood finished with figures of 4 for 65 as Pakistan were dismissed for 328 in their 355 run chase in the fourth innings of the game. Pakistan had come close to winning the match when they needed just 65 to win with 5 wickets in hand in the second session on Day 4, but England’s turnaround deprived them of the chance and the trophy as well.
The match, which was a roller coaster ride, ended with Mohammad Ali taking the wicket. But like the whole game, the conclusion also had some drama.
Mohammad Ali pushed the ball from Ollie Robinson to wicket-keeper Ollie Pope. The England players appealed for the wicket and umpire Marais Erasmus raised his hand, though he took a moment to make the decision. There was a clear advantage, but still Ali decided to go for a review.
When the decision was referred up, Ben Stokes walked over to shake Ali’s hand, knowing the game was over. However, Ali refused to shake hands with the England captain, seemingly reminding him that the formality was not yet fulfilled as the third referee had yet to give his verdict by then.
Watch the video here:
— Guess Karo (@KuchNahiUkhada) December 12, 2022
England and Pakistan face each other in the third and final ODI, which begins on December 17 at the National Stadium, Karachi.
Pakistan’s second defeat of the series meant they fell to sixth, while England’s great run under Ben Stokes took them to fifth. India remains in fourth place in the ranking, behind Australia, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
(with AFP inputs)
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