England defeated Pakistan by 194 runs in the second Test at Lord’s on Sunday, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Pakistan needed 389 runs to win but collapsed for 194 despite a determined 97 from Saud Shakeel. Imam-ul-Haq did not bat in the second innings after suffering an injury.
Pakistan Collapse Early in Run Chase
Pakistan endured a disastrous start while chasing the daunting target. Azan Awais became the first batter dismissed, falling for six in the fifth over.
England’s Robinson trapped him leg before wicket off 14 deliveries. The pacer struck again on the final ball of the over, removing Abdullah Shafique without scoring.
Pakistan then slipped to 14/3 after Jofra Archer dismissed captain Babar Azam for six. The early wickets left the visitors under severe pressure.
However, Saud Shakeel and Shan Masood steadied Pakistan’s innings during the second session. Shakeel produced an impressive batting display and completed his 11th Test half-century.
The left-hander played positively and rotated the strike effectively. He also built a 97-run partnership with Shan, giving Pakistan renewed hope.
Robinson eventually ended the partnership by dismissing Shan for 26. The England pacer then removed Mohammad Rizwan for one, leaving Pakistan at 115/5.
Shakeel Leads Pakistan’s Fightback
Ali Usman joined Shakeel and provided valuable support during the final session. The pair added 31 runs before Archer dismissed Usman for 16.
Shakeel continued fighting as wickets fell around him. He came close to a memorable fifth Test century before Josh Tongue dismissed him for 97.
His innings included 13 fours and two sixes from 122 deliveries.
Tongue then dismissed Khurram Shahzad for nine before removing Mohammad Ali for eight. The dismissal completed England’s victory.
Robinson finished with four wickets, while Tongue claimed three and Archer took two.
Abbas Claims Five-Wicket Haul
Earlier, England resumed their second innings at 177/7. They were eventually bowled out for 208 in 54.2 overs.
Mohammad Abbas led Pakistan’s bowling attack with an outstanding performance. The veteran pacer claimed his eighth five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
Despite Abbas’ efforts, England set Pakistan a challenging target of 389 runs. Pakistan could not withstand England’s bowling attack during the final innings.
The defeat means Pakistan can no longer win the three-match series. England have therefore secured the series with one match still remaining.
The third and final Test will take place at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham from September 9 to 13.
