Ben Stokes has talked up the magnitude of England's 74-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test in Rawalpindi, describing it as "mind-blowing".
Despite scoring 657 in the first innings, England faced the possibility of a stunning defeat as Pakistan were left requiring 86 runs with five wickets remaining ahead of the closing session.
However, England's pace bowlers instigated a stunning turnaround, Pakistan being reduced from 259-5 to 264-9 in the space of 7.2 overs, but Pakistan's final partnership threatened an unlikely survival.
Naseem Shah and Mohammad Ali survived for 52 balls before Jack Leach trapped the former in front of his stumps as the light quickly faded, sparking pandemonium within the England team.
At tea on day four, Stokes declared earlier than many expected, leaving Pakistan to chase 343 in four sessions, but the risk eventually paid off despite a batting-friendly wicket.
England win by 74 runs to take a 1-0 series lead 🏴
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) December 5, 2022
And WHAT A WAY TO DO IT! 🙌🔥#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/AFU3jM7gVQ
Speaking after an absorbing contest, Stokes was full of praise for his teammates, many of which were ill in the build-up to the match with it threatening a 24-hour delay to the first day's play.
The captain is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "The effort that everyone has put in this week is incredible. I feel very honoured and privileged to be able to lead these guys out on to the field.
"Jimmy Anderson said to me he was feeling quite emotional about this win. To have a guy who has experienced everything say that, it makes you realise what a special achievement this week has been.
"The way in which the lads just dealt with it and cracked on was a credit to them. At the moment it feels like everyone is doing what they need to do for the bloke stood next to them."
Harry Brook was the standout batsman for England, producing knocks of 153 and 87 respectively, but it was Ollie Robinson who won the Player of the Match award.
While he only took match figures of 5-122, four of Pakistan's top seven were dismissed by the paceman in the second innings, seeing him get the nod.
The second Test is due to get underway in Multan on Friday.
Darren Plant
