London, August 31: England triumphed over Pakistan by 194 runs in the second Test match at Lord’s, clinching the three-match series 2-0. The host team set a daunting target of 389 runs for the visitors, who were bowled out for just 194 runs in their second innings on the fourth day of the match.
Batting first after losing the toss, England managed to score 290 runs in their first innings. They faced early setbacks, losing three wickets for just 36 runs. However, Jordan Cox (55) stepped up, forming crucial partnerships: 41 runs with Harry Brook (15) for the fourth wicket, 43 runs with Dan Lawrence (17) for the fifth, and 67 runs with Jamie Smith (61) for the sixth wicket. For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas was the standout bowler, taking four wickets, while Mohammad Ali claimed three.
In response, Pakistan struggled in their first innings, lasting only 37.2 overs and scoring a mere 110 runs. They lost three wickets for just 30 runs. Opener Azan Owais (46) managed to stabilize the innings, partnering with Saud Shakeel (16) for 33 runs for the fourth wicket and with Mohammad Rizwan (7) for 28 runs for the fifth wicket. England’s Ollie Robinson was exceptional, taking four wickets for just 11 runs in 13 overs, while Jofra Archer took three wickets and Josh Tongue claimed two.
With a 180-run lead from the first innings, England added 208 runs in their second innings, setting Pakistan a challenging target of 389 runs. Dan Lawrence top-scored for England in the second innings with 54 runs, hitting nine boundaries. Harry Brook contributed 34 runs, while Emilio added 31 runs and captain Joe Root chipped in with 24 runs. Mohammad Abbas excelled for Pakistan again, taking five wickets for 57 runs, and Khurram Shehzad and Mohammad Ali each took two wickets.
Chasing the massive target, Pakistan collapsed in their second innings, bowled out for 194 runs. They lost three wickets for just 14 runs. Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel built a partnership of 97 runs for the fourth wicket, taking the score to 111. However, once that partnership was broken, the team fell apart. Ollie Robinson was the star with the ball, taking four wickets, while Josh Tongue took three and Jofra Archer secured two.
England had previously won the first match by an innings and 103 runs, and with this victory, they have firmly secured the series. The final match will take place in Birmingham starting September 9.