Noman Ali claimed eight wickets as Pakistan’s frontline spinners powered them to a 152-run win over England in the second Test in Multan on Friday, leveling the three-match series at 1-1.

Chasing 297 for victory on a turning track at the Multan Cricket Stadium, England were all out for 144 in the morning session of the fourth day.

Skipper Ben Stokes was the top scorer for England with 37, but their frontline batters struggled with the spinning ball.

Noman was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers who claimed 8-46.

Pakistan were already on the rise when England resumed at 36-2 and needed extraordinary hitting to get anywhere near the target.

Vice-captain Ollie Pope (22) fell in the second over of the day, giving off-spinner Sajid Khan a return catch before left-arm spinner Noman ran amok.

Noman dealt the tourists a blow when he trapped Joe Root lbw for 18, a decision the batsman assessed but could not undo.

Harry Brook (16) fell in similar fashion to Noman and England fell to 88-6 when Jamie Smith was sent off.

Stokes has played some match-defining knocks in his illustrious career and England desperately needed a similar innings from him.

The captain, who scored at a run-a-ball pace, came dancing across the track against Noman and swung his bat, sending it flying from his hands to midwicket.

Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan had all the time in the world to gather the ball and get the bails off as Stokes came well out of the crease.

The third and final test starts in Rawalpindi on Thursday.