England secured a commanding 194-run victory on day four of
the second Test at Lord's, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match
series.
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| Image Credits: NewsBytes |
Set a daunting target of 389, Pakistan's batting lineup once again faltered under overcast skies at the Home of Cricket. Resuming their second innings on the fourth morning at 14/3, the visitors faced an uphill battle. Middle-order batter Saud Shakeel offered stubborn resistance with a brilliant, counter-attacking 97, sharing a 97-run partnership with the former captain Shan Masood (26) that briefly frustrated the hosts. However, once that stand was broken, the innings quickly unraveled.
Ollie Robinson delivered a masterclass in seam bowling,
spearheading the English attack with figures of 4/24 on the day to finish with
a stellar match haul of 8/35. Pace support from Jofra Archer and a late
demolition of the tail by Josh Tongue—who wrapped up the innings by dismissing
Shakeel just short of a well-deserved century—bundled Pakistan out for 194.
The comprehensive win not only wrapped up the contest inside four days but also marked England’s first Test series victory in this cycle. Pakistan, left searching for answers after failing to cross the 200-run mark throughout the series, will look to regroup ahead of the final Test in Birmingham.
