On Saturday, England achieved a clean sweep in their Test series against Pakistan, winning the third and final match at Edgbaston by eight wickets.
They successfully chased a target of 130 runs on the fourth day.
England concluded their innings at 130 for 2 in just 24.2 overs, with Joe Root remaining not out at 62 from 69 deliveries and Jordan Cox contributing an unbeaten 59 off 76 balls. This victory marked England’s first home Test series whitewash against Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Resilient Second Innings
After being bowled out for a mere 133 in their first innings, Pakistan mounted a significant comeback in their second innings, scoring 449 runs and setting England a target of 130.
Captain Shan Masood led the charge with a near-century, scoring 95 runs, while Babar Azam added 76 and Azan Awais contributed 59. The highlight was Test debutant Razaullah, who blasted 81 runs off just 63 balls, hitting nine sixes and four fours. His performance, alongside Mohammad Abbas’s 42, resulted in a crucial 121-run partnership for the ninth wicket, giving Pakistan a 129-run lead. Razaullah’s nine sixes matched the record for the most sixes by a debutant in Test cricket.
England’s Dominance in the First Innings
In their first innings, Pakistan struggled, getting bowled out for 133 in just 33.5 overs. Saud Shakeel was the top scorer with 43 runs, while Mohammad Abbas added 21. England’s Josh Tongue was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets for 42 runs, supported by Ollie Robinson with 3 for 15 and Jofra Archer with 3 for 25.
England responded strongly, amassing 453 runs in their first innings, establishing a commanding 320-run lead. Harry Brook led the scoring with 75 runs, followed by Jamie Smith with 69, Dan Lawrence with 65, Emilio Gay with 60, and Robinson with a quick-fire 50. Razaullah was Pakistan’s most effective bowler, claiming 4 wickets for 148 runs.
Series Overview
Pakistan’s second innings began poorly, with Robinson dismissing both Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique for ducks in the first over. However, Masood and Awais steadied the innings until Babar joined Masood to help stabilize the team.
Prior to the Edgbaston Test, England had already secured a 2-0 lead in the series, winning the first match at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs, followed by a 194-run victory in the second Test at Lord’s. This final win solidified a dominant series performance by Joe Root’s team.
Match Summary
Match Summary: Pakistan 133 (Saud Shakeel 43; Josh Tongue 4/42) and 449 (Shan Masood 95, Babar Azam 76, Razaullah 81; Gus Atkinson 3/109) lost to England 453 (Harry Brook 75, Jamie Smith 69, Dan Lawrence 65, Emilio Gay 60, Ollie Robinson 50; Razaullah 4/148) and 130/2 (Joe Root 62*, Jordan Cox 59*) by eight wickets.