Ben Stokes' EPIC Bat-Slip Fail: The Moment That Changed the Course of History

England's Ben Stokes may have etched his name in cricketing history as one of the most skilled all-rounders of his generation, but a comical moment on the field during his team's clash against Pakistan on Day 4 in Multan will have him cringing for a while to come. In a moment that left fans and viewers in stitches, Stokes lost his bat - quite literally - and with it, his wicket as the English batting lineup collapsed around him in disarray.

England's capitulation, coupled with some inspired bowling by the Pakistani lineup, saw Noman Ali secure a historic 10-wicket haul to lead his side to their first home Test win in over three years. And what a win it was - by a commanding margin of 152 runs that capped off a dominating performance by the hosts.

The passage of play that saw Stokes take his leave will likely be scrutinized, but for reasons other than the standard fare of batting technique or shot selection. After shaping up for a shot, Stokes' bat slipped out of his grasp and somehow managed to find its way to the other side of the wicket - close to the Pakistani wicket-keeper, who simply couldn't resist the gift-wrapped opportunity to send the English all-rounder packing.

That dismissal in isolation may have been a minor blip in the grand scheme of proceedings, but its significance can't be overstated in the context of the larger picture - a depleted English lineup staring down the barrel at an ever-mounting Pakistani lead. Even by their lofty standards of 'expect the unexpected', Stokes' dismissal took some beating for pure, unadulterated chaos - fittingly enough on a day marked by much mirth and merriment for Pakistan supporters, who lapped up each passing wicket like the proverbial gifts they were.

As for Noman Ali, his masterful display of bowling artistry will take up an awful lot of space in the team trophy cabinet soon enough. To put up a 10-wicket haul - the stuff that once-in-a-lifetime showreels are made of - marks the high point of Noman Ali's career so far, and no Pakistani player will likely dispute his status as the main reason behind their breakthrough Test win after over three long years without one. And who would begrudge him that accolade? The manner in which Ali broke the English batting back - twisting their tale to his own advantage, never letting go the aural strings of the story - left fans in awe, teammates in a deep and guttural appreciation, and by all lights, the all-rounder firmly on his own pedestal.