# England spun out by Pakistan in crushing 152-run defeat as hosts level series in Multan to set up thrilling decider next week - with Harry Brook and Ben Stokes found wanting **England's batters were comprehensively outplayed by their Pakistani counterparts, with leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood taking 4-67 to set up a crushing win.** England were bowled out for 281, with only Ollie Pope (72) and Ben Foakes (64) offering any resistance. Pakistan won by 152 runs to level the three-match series at 1-1. The tourists were always up against it after Pakistan declared on 579-3, with Imam-ul-Haq scoring a magnificent 157. England made a poor start to their chase, with Zak Crawley (0) and Ben Duckett (1) both dismissed cheaply. Joe Root (29) and Ollie Pope (72) steadied the ship with a partnership of 66 but Pakistan's spinners then took control. Zahid Mahmood removed Root and Pope in quick succession, and also dismissed Harry Brook (4) and Ben Stokes (5). Stokes, England's captain, was particularly disappointing, failing to score a single boundary in his 28-ball innings. With England now 138-5, the game was effectively over. Foakes and Will Jacks (33) added 66 for the sixth wicket but England were eventually bowled out for 281. The series now moves to Karachi for the decider, which will be played from Saturday. England will need to show a significant improvement if they are to win the series, with their batting in particular needing to fire. **Pakistan, meanwhile, will be confident of completing a series win on home soil.** ### Reaction Pakistan captain Babar Azam: "I'm very happy with the way the team played today. The bowlers were excellent and the batters gave them a good total to defend. We're now looking forward to the decider in Karachi." England captain Ben Stokes: "We were outplayed today. Pakistan's bowlers were excellent and we didn't bat well enough. We need to learn from our mistakes and come back stronger in the decider." ### Key moments * Imam-ul-Haq's magnificent 157 gave Pakistan a big first-innings lead. * Zahid Mahmood's 4-67 destroyed England's batting order. * Ben Stokes' poor form with the bat continued.
