England’s innings and 103-run victory at Headingley handed Pakistan their heaviest innings defeat against the hosts since 2010.
Pakistan endured a disappointing start to their three-match Test series against England, suffering an innings and 103-run defeat at Headingley on Friday. The heavy loss saw the Green Shirts register several unwanted records, including their biggest innings defeat against England since 2010.
Pakistan’s batting struggled from the beginning as England’s bowling attack dominated the contest. Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue claimed five wickets each in the first innings, restricting Pakistan to just 171 runs. The visitors were unable to build meaningful partnerships and were eventually dismissed for a modest total.
England responded strongly with a commanding 409 all out. Jordan Cox, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence all scored half-centuries to put the hosts in a dominant position. Although Ali Usman produced an impressive five-wicket haul, Pakistan were left facing a substantial 238-run deficit.
The visitors needed a determined batting effort in the second innings to avoid an innings defeat. However, Pakistan again failed to withstand England’s bowling pressure and were bowled out for only 135 in 37.3 overs.
The total became Pakistan’s sixth-lowest score in England since 2000. Their lowest remains 72 against England at Edgbaston in 2010, followed by 74 at Lord’s and 80 at Trent Bridge during the same year.
Pakistan’s other lowest totals in England during this period include 119 at Old Trafford in 2006 and 134 at Headingley in 2018. Their 135 at the same venue in 2026 now joins that unwanted list.
The defeat was also Pakistan’s sixth-biggest innings loss against England. Their previous heavier defeat came in 2010, when England secured an innings and 225-run victory at Lord’s.
England’s other major innings victories over Pakistan include an innings and 129-run win at Trent Bridge in 1954, an innings and 120-run success at Old Trafford in 2006, and another 120-run victory at Lord’s in 1978.
The Headingley result therefore adds another unwanted chapter to Pakistan’s Test record in England and leaves the visitors needing a strong response in the remaining matches of the series.