England beat Pakistan in Lord's Test to take unassailable 2-0 series lead

LONDON: England defeated Pakistan by 194 runs in the second Test on day four to take an unassailable 2-0 series lead at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Chasing a daunting target of 389, Pakistan were bowled out for 194 in 50.5 overs despite an exceptional 97 from Saud Shakeel, which ultimately went in vain, while opener Imam-ul-Haq did not come out to bat in the second innings due to injury.

Ali Usman and Saud offered some resistance in the final session, putting together a crucial 31-run partnership to ease the pressure on Pakistan.

However, Jofra Archer struck again to dismiss Usman, who scored 16 off 44 deliveries, including two boundaries, leaving Pakistan struggling at 146/6 after 43.4 overs.

The left-handed middle-order batter continued to fight for his side despite wickets tumbling at the other end, aiming to bring up his fifth Test century.

However, his efforts fell short when Josh Tongue dismissed him for 97 off 122 deliveries, with his innings featuring 13 fours and two sixes.

Tongue then claimed his second wicket with a slower delivery that dismissed Khurram Shahzad for nine off 13 deliveries, including one boundary. The England pacer then removed the final batter, Ali, for eight to seal victory for the hosts.

Earlier, Pakistan showed resilience in the second session as Saud Shakeel produced an impressive batting display, bringing up his 11th Test half-century.

The left-hander also shared a crucial 50-run partnership for the fourth wicket with former captain Shan Masood, helping Pakistan recover from a difficult start to their chase.

Shakeel adopted a positive approach, rotating the strike effectively and keeping the scoreboard moving alongside Shan. The pair steadily eased the pressure on the visitors as Pakistan moved beyond the 100-run mark.

However, their promising 97-run partnership was eventually broken when Ollie Robinson struck for the third time in the innings. The England pacer dismissed Shan for 26 off 72 deliveries, with the left-handed batter hitting two boundaries during his stay at the crease.

Pakistan suffered another setback soon after, with Robinson claiming his fourth wicket by trapping Mohammad Rizwan leg before wicket for one off nine balls. The dismissal left the visitors struggling at 115/5 after 32.5 overs, with England firmly in control of the contest.

Earlier, Pakistan endured a disastrous start to their chase. Opening batter Azan Awais became the first wicket to fall on the third delivery of the fifth over, with Robinson trapping him leg before wicket for six off 14 deliveries, including one boundary.

Robinson struck again on the final delivery of the same over, removing Abdullah Shafique for a duck. Pakistan were subsequently reduced to 14/3 after 7.1 overs when Jofra Archer dismissed captain Babar Azam for six off eight deliveries, with the right-hander hitting one boundary.

England were bowled out for 208 in 54.2 overs in their second innings on day four, setting Pakistan a target of 389. Mohammad Abbas led an outstanding bowling effort from the visitors, claiming his eighth career five-wicket haul.

The Three Lions resumed the day at 177/7 after 46.5 overs, having extended their overall lead to 357 runs on a rain-affected third day, when persistent showers restricted play to just 24.5 overs.

Harry Brook top-scored with 34 off 56 deliveries, including five boundaries, while Emilio Gay contributed 31 off 74 balls, hitting six fours. Captain Joe Root added 24.

England lost their remaining three wickets for 31 runs on day four. Dan Lawrence was the first to depart after scoring 54 off 70 balls, including seven fours and two sixes. 

Abbas then dismissed Ollie Robinson for eight to complete his five-wicket haul, while Josh Tongue was run out by Babar Azam after scoring 12.

Abbas finished with figures of 5/57 from 22 overs, while Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad claimed two wickets apiece.

After being asked to bat first, England seized control of the second Test despite Pakistan dominating the opening day.

The hosts’ first-innings total was boosted by a crucial 47-run partnership between Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson for the 10th wicket, which helped England recover from 243/9 to 290.

The hosts then produced a dominant bowling performance, dismissing Pakistan for just 110 in 37.2 overs to secure a commanding 180-run first-innings lead. Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq was unable to bat due to injury.