England take an unassailable 2-0 series lead after bowling Pakistan out for 194 in a dominant Lord’s victory.
LONDON: England secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series against Pakistan after completing a dominant 194-run victory at Lord’s on Sunday.
England bowled Pakistan out for 194 in their fourth innings after setting the visitors a target of 389. The victory also lifted England above Sri Lanka in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings.
Ollie Robinson was once again instrumental with the ball, while Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas produced an outstanding performance, finishing with nine wickets in the match.
Abbas keeps Pakistan in the contest
England resumed their second innings with Dan Lawrence unbeaten on 50, but Mohammad Abbas struck early when Lawrence inside-edged the ball onto his stumps.
Abbas then completed his nine-wicket haul when Ollie Robinson edged behind to Mohammad Rizwan. Having previously taken three four-wicket hauls at Lord’s, the Pakistan seamer narrowly missed out on a second Test ten-wicket haul.
Josh Tongue added a couple of boundaries before his innings ended following a direct hit from Babar Azam, leaving England to set Pakistan a daunting target of 389.
Pakistan suffer early blows
Pakistan’s chase began poorly, with Azan Awais unable to reproduce the fighting contribution he made in the first innings.
Ollie Robinson removed Awais after the batter was struck on the back pad before producing another superb delivery to dismiss Abdullah Shafique. The ball angled in before seaming away late to crash into the top of off stump.
Babar Azam came to the crease with Pakistan on 7/2, but his innings lasted just two overs.
Jofra Archer delivered a fierce, rib-high bouncer which Babar attempted to pull. The ball caught the edge and helmet before popping up for Jordan Cox to take the catch at third slip.
Shakeel and Masood offer resistance
At 14/3, Pakistan desperately needed a partnership, and Saud Shakeel and Shan Masood provided one.
The pair added 97 runs for the fourth wicket, taking Pakistan to 111/3 at lunch and briefly raising hopes of an unlikely fightback.
England, however, quickly regained control after the interval. Robinson dismissed Masood before removing Mohammad Rizwan to leave Pakistan in further trouble.
Shakeel continued to anchor the innings and found support from Ali Usman as Pakistan attempted to prolong the contest.
Archer eventually ended Usman’s resistance after tea, finding the inside edge and sending the stumps flying.
Shakeel falls agonisingly short of century
Shakeel moved rapidly towards a deserved century, striking two sixes and a four off Tongue to reach 96.
But Tongue had the final say.
The Pakistan batter attempted another pull against a short delivery but picked out Harry Brook at deep square leg, departing for a valiant 97 off 122 balls.
There was little resistance from the Pakistan tail after Shakeel’s dismissal, with England completing the innings shortly afterwards.
Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 194, giving England a comprehensive 194-run victory.
England dominate series
The result gives England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series following their innings-and-103-run victory in the opening Test at Headingley.
England will now look to complete a series clean sweep when the teams meet in the final Test at Edgbaston.
England vs Pakistan Test series schedule
•First Test: August 19–23, Headingley — England won by an innings and 103 runs
•Second Test: August 27–31, Lord’s — England won by 194 runs
•Third Test: September 9–13, Edgbaston
The final Test will provide Pakistan with an opportunity to salvage some pride, while England will aim to complete a 3-0 series victory and further strengthen their position in the World Test Championship standings.