Relive one of the most dramatic collapses in Test cricket history as Shoaib Akhtar and Danish Kaneria ripped through England's batting lineup to give Pakistan an emphatic innings and 100-run victory, sealing a 2-0 series win. Watch how two world-class bowlers combined pace and spin mastery to take eight wickets in just 69 balls after lunch, producing a stunning win for Pakistan.
Key Moments:
The Morning Fight:
England, starting the day at 205 for 2, looked hopeful for a draw with Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood leading a determined fightback. Bell, in particular, was in sublime form, reaching 92 and becoming England’s leading run-scorer of the series.
Kaneria's Perfect Switch:
After an unproductive morning session, Danish Kaneria returned with a change in tactics, switching back to over the wicket. He quickly dismissed Collingwood with a perfect leg-break, sparking England’s collapse.
A Bowling Masterclass:
Kaneria’s ability to extract variations from the pitch was on full display as he removed Kevin Pietersen with a sharp catch and bowled a googly to knock over Andrew Flintoff first ball. He nearly claimed a hat-trick, narrowly missing Geraint Jones' wicket, though Jones didn’t last long either.
Shoaib Akhtar’s Pace and Guile:
Shoaib Akhtar combined raw pace with cunning slower deliveries to dismantle England’s middle and lower order. His slower ball to dismiss Ian Bell, just shy of his century, was one of the standout deliveries of the series.
England's Middle-Order Collapse:
From a steady 205 for 2, England imploded to 212 for 6 within a few overs. Kaneria and Shoaib both shared the wickets in quick succession, leaving the rest of England’s lineup in tatters.
Tail-End Wipeout:
Shoaib’s fierce deliveries bruised Shaun Udal, while Liam Plunkett’s harsh education continued as he handed Shoaib his 12th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Pakistan didn’t even need the new ball, finishing the match with two wickets in two balls from Kaneria, including a fitting googly to end Matthew Hoggard’s stay at the crease.
A Perfect Combination:
The duo’s combination of Shoaib’s fearsome pace and Kaneria’s mesmerizing spin would have made legends like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis proud. Their ability to produce game-changing moments at will was the defining factor in Pakistan’s victory.
Man of the Match:
Shoaib Akhtar, for his devastating spell of pace bowling, capped off a clinical win for Pakistan in what was an unforgettable afternoon of Test cricket.
Final Thoughts: Pakistan’s performance on the final day was a true display of their class and potential for sustained success. The destruction of England’s lineup in such dramatic fashion left no doubt about their dominance, with Shoaib Akhtar and Danish Kaneria leading from the front. This victory will be remembered as one of the great Test cricket collapses, showcasing Pakistan's ability to deliver under pressure.
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25 сен 2024
