An inspirational bowling performance from the England bowlers, after Ben Stokes’ courageous declaration, saw England scrip a stunning, memorable and what Stokes hailed as “one of England’s greatest away wins” in the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, on their first Test tour to the country after 17 years.
Pakistan’s last partnership between Naseem Shah and Mohammad Ali had defied and denied the England bowlers a desired scalp for 52 deliveries, but eventually Jack Leach found a way to beat Naseem Shah, hit him on his pads and get the lbw decision in his and England’s favor to seal the game with about 8-10 minutes left of proper light.
How has England’s win in first Test vs Pakistan affected the WTC points table?
Well, there are no changes in the WTC points table standing as England continue to remain in the 7th position and Pakistan in the 5th. But this loss, and no points gained from what could have been a draw had Pakistani batters batted little bit better, has affected Pakistan’s chances of reaching the WTC final heavily.
England had already been out of the race to the WTC final, but Pakistan will rue this lost Test, and they had already lost a 3-Test series by 1-0 to Australia earlier in the year at home. All by preparing similar flat, dull, dead pitches.
England’s PCT (percentage of points won) has increased to 41.67% from what was previously 38 while Pakistan’s has reduced from 51.85% to 46.67%. Australia are the current table toppers with 72.73% PCT followed South Africa with 60%. Sri Lanka with 53.33% and India with 52.08% are 3rd and 4th respectively.
Here is how the WTC points table looks like after PAK vs ENG 1st Test:
Stokes was vocal and clear in expressing his view of England’s new mantra: win or lose over a draw.
“We’ve played 8-9 matches with myself and Brendon in charge. One thing we try to do is focus on ourselves and not the opposition. We know we’re a very exciting team,” Stokes said. “We wanted to come here to Pakistan and carry on with our mantra of exciting cricket. I’ve got no interest in trying to play for a draw, the dressing room has no interest in playing for a draw. Felt on this kind of wicket, almost had to entice the batsmen to play an attacking shot.”
