England Beat Pakistan by 194 Runs to Take Unassailable Series Lead at Lord’s
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
England secured a 194-run victory over Pakistan in the second Test at Lord’s on Sunday, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Pakistan were bowled out for 194 while chasing a target of 389. The result gave England their first Test series victory in a multi-match series since their 2-1 win in New Zealand more than a year ago.
Robinson Leads England’s Bowling Attack
Ollie Robinson was England’s standout bowler once again. The Sussex fast bowler claimed 4-24 from 14 overs in Pakistan’s second innings after taking 4-11 in the first innings.
Robinson struck twice early in the chase, reducing Pakistan to 7-2. Jofra Archer then dismissed Pakistan captain Babar Azam, leaving the visitors in serious trouble at 14-3.
However, Saud Shakeel and Shan Masood responded with a 97-run partnership that briefly steadied Pakistan’s innings.
Robinson eventually dismissed Masood for 26 from 72 deliveries after a review overturned the original not-out decision. He then removed Mohammad Rizwan, who was trapped lbw after attempting a shot across the line.
Saud Shakeel Falls Short of a Century
Shakeel produced Pakistan’s best batting performance of the innings, scoring 97 from 122 balls.
The left-hander reached the 90s with a series of well-timed shots, including two sixes. He was eventually dismissed while attempting another attacking shot against Josh Tongue, sending the ball to Harry Brook at deep square leg.
Shakeel’s innings included 13 fours and earned him a standing ovation from spectators at Lord’s as he returned to the pavilion.
Pakistan were subsequently reduced to 169-7, with Imam-ul-Haq unable to bat because of a calf injury that had also kept him out of Pakistan’s first innings.
Tongue then completed the remaining work for England, dismissing Khurram Shahzad before ending the match by having Mohammad Ali caught in the slips by Brook.
Mohammad Abbas Earns Lord’s Honours Board Recognition
Earlier in the day, Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas completed an impressive five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5-57 as England were dismissed for 208.
The achievement earned Abbas a place on the Lord’s honours board. Players who take five wickets in an innings, 10 wickets in a match or score a century in a Test at the venue are recognised on the famous boards.
Abbas had previously taken three four-wicket hauls at Lord’s but had never reached five wickets in an innings there.
The 36-year-old began the day with three wickets for 48 runs and quickly added to his tally. He dismissed Dan Lawrence, who had resumed on an unbeaten 50, before removing Ollie Robinson with a catch behind the stumps.
Abbas celebrated the milestone with his teammates before acknowledging the Lord’s pitch.
England Take Control of the Series
England’s victory puts them 2-0 ahead with one Test remaining. Pakistan will now look to avoid a series whitewash in the final match, while England will aim to complete a 3-0 series victory.
