ICC gave the Rawalpindi pitch, where Pakistan and England played their first Test match, a “below average” rating. While numerous batting records were broken during the first Test of the series, which England was able to win by 74 runs, the Rawalpindi pitch was criticised for giving bowlers very little support throughout the five-day match.
At Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday, England defeated Pakistan by 74 runs in the opening Test of the three-match series. Ben Stokes, the visiting captain, chose to bat first after winning the toss. A world record of 500 or more runs in a Test match’s first day was set by England, who scored 657 runs in their first innings. Pakistan, meanwhile, responded with a respectable total of 579. Following a declaration by England at 264 for 7, Pakistan were given a target of 343 runs to reach before being bowled out for 268.