Pakistan achieved a momentous 9-wicket victory over England in the third Test, sealing a 2-1 series win. This triumph ended a three-year wait for a Test series win on home soil, marking Pakistan’s first home series success after four previous failed attempts.
Sajid Khan and Noman Ali were instrumental in Pakistan’s victory, with Sajid taking 19 wickets across two matches. While England started strongly with the bat in the first Test, they faltered against Pakistan’s spinners in the remaining games.
An old video of Sajid Khan has resurfaced, showcasing his early struggles and his mother’s unwavering support. In the video, Sajid spoke about the challenges he faced in his career, saying:
“Jo log kehte hai shifaris ke bina cricket nahi hoti, wo 110% jooth hai. Jo mehnat karta hai, usse mehnat ka fal milta hai. 20 saal se mae iss chiz ke liye lada hu aur yaha pahucha hu. Meri koi shifaris nahi hai, mera koi back push nahi hai.”
(“Those who say cricket is impossible without connections are 110% lying. Anyone who works hard gets their due reward. I have fought for 20 years to reach this point, without any favour or backing.”)
Sajid further shared the emotional role his mother has played in his journey:
“Jo support hai, wo maa hai. Jab bhi mushkil time aata hai, toh maa ke paas baithta hu aur rota hu, abhi bhi. Meri saari struggle aur support maa ke wajah se hai.”
(“The only support I have is my mother. Whenever I face difficult times, I sit with her and cry – I still do. Every struggle I have overcome is because of my mother.”)
Watch: Sajid Khan talking about his life struggles
In the third Test in Rawalpindi, England’s second innings saw them score 112 runs. Noman took 6 wickets for 42 runs, and Sajid secured 4 wickets, giving away 69 runs.
Pakistan required only 36 runs to claim victory. Despite losing Saim Ayub to Jack Leach’s bowling, Abdullah Shafique and captain Shan Masood led Pakistan to a win.
Earlier, England scored 267 runs in their first innings, while Pakistan responded with 344 runs in their initial innings.
Sajid Khan has taken 44 wickets in 19 Test innings with 3 five wicket hauls and 2 ten wicket hauls.
This victory follows Bangladesh’s Test series win against Pakistan last month, adding to its significance.