Chasing a daunting target of 389 in Test cricket is an uphill battle for any side, and Pakistan ultimately fell well short of the mountain to climb. England’s ferocious pace attack dismantled the visitors for just 194 in their second innings, sealing a comprehensive 194-run victory and securing the three-match series with a game to spare.
Resuming the fourth morning at 177 for 7, England looked to add crucial insurance runs. Dan Lawrence, who had anchored the previous evening with a well-earned half-century, could not push on much further, falling for 54 off 70 deliveries. Lower-order contributions followed as Ollie Robinson added 8 from 15 balls, while Josh Tongue chipped in with 12 from 15. The innings finally concluded at 208, leaving Pakistan with the monumental task of scoring 389 for victory.
Mohammad Abbas spearheaded the Pakistani bowling attack with an impressive five-wicket haul, supported well by Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali, who claimed two wickets apiece. Despite restricting England from running away with the total, the batting unit failed to capitalise on the bowlers’ hard work.
The run chase unravelled almost immediately. The opening partnership fractured at just 7 runs when Azaan Awais departed for 7 from 14 balls. Abdullah Shafique followed for a duck, and captain Babar Azam managed only 6 before heading back to the pavilion. Finding themselves reeling at 17 for 3, the tourists desperately needed a restorative partnership.
Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel provided that brief glimmer of hope. The pair rotated the strike fluidly and played expressive strokes around the ground to steady the innings. Masood’s resistance was cut short at 26 from 72 deliveries, and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan followed swiftly for a solitary run.
Saud Shakeel remained the lone beacon of resistance, handling the hostile English pace battery with exceptional composure. He brought up a fluent half-century and marched towards a memorable hundred, finding a stubborn partner in Ali Usman, who blocked out 16 runs from 44 balls. Heartbreak struck agonizingly close to the milestone when Shakeel edged Josh Tongue behind, departing for a magnificent 97 off 122 balls.
The tail offered minimal resistance once Shakeel fell. Khurram Shahzad contributed 9, Mohammad Ali added 8, and Mohammad Abbas remained unbeaten on 13 as the innings folded at 194. Ollie Robinson led the English bowling charge with 4 wickets, backed by Josh Tongue with 3 and Jofra Archer with 2.
The commanding victory leaves England with an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The final fixture now offers Pakistan an opportunity to salvage pride, while England will look to complete a clean sweep.
