Pakistan cricket witnessed a turnaround with a notable 152-run victory over England in the second Test in Multan, marking their first home Test win since February 2021. The victory ended an 11-match winless streak at home, largely thanks to spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, who shared all 20 wickets between them, a feat not achieved by a Pakistan duo since 1972. This win came after a bold decision by the selectors to rest key players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, opting instead for a spin-heavy lineup. Meanwhile, Pakistan also hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting, showcasing its growing geopolitical influence by securing attendance from several high-profile leaders. The cricket win and successful hosting of the SCO meeting highlight Pakistan's strategic efforts in both sports and diplomacy.