2nd Test: England defeat Pakistan by 194 runs at Lord's to take 2-0 series lead

London (Web Desk): England wrapped up the second Test against Pakistan with a commanding 194-run victory at Lord’s on Sunday, moving 2-0 ahead in the three-match series and securing an unassailable lead.

Pakistan, faced with a formidable chase of 389, were eventually bowled out for 194. Saud Shakeel mounted a spirited resistance with a superb 97, but his valiant effort was not enough to keep Pakistan in the contest. Imam-ul-Haq was also unable to take his place at the crease in the second innings after suffering an injury.

Pakistan’s chase quickly turned into a nightmare. Azan Awais was the first to depart, with Robinson striking on the third ball of the fifth over. The England seamer trapped him in front for six from 14 balls, including a boundary.

Robinson was soon celebrating again, removing Abdullah Shafique for a duck off the final delivery of the over. Pakistan’s top order then suffered another blow when Jofra Archer accounted for captain Babar Azam for six from eight balls, leaving the visitors reeling at 14 for three after 7.1 overs.

With Pakistan in serious trouble, Shakeel took responsibility and produced a composed counterattack during the second session. The left-hander reached his 11th Test half-century and gave his side a much-needed lift.

Shakeel found a reliable partner in Shan Masood as the pair rebuilt the innings with a valuable fourth-wicket stand. Shakeel played positively, worked the gaps and kept the runs coming while Shan provided support at the other end.

The pair added 97 runs before Robinson intervened once again. The fast bowler completed his third dismissal of the innings by having Shan caught out for 26, with the batter managing two boundaries.

Pakistan’s troubles continued when Robinson struck for the fourth time, trapping Mohammad Rizwan lbw for just one from nine deliveries. Pakistan were left at 115 for five after 32.5 overs, with England firmly in control.

Ali Usman then joined Shakeel and helped the left-hander add 31 more runs in a brief partnership during the final session. Archer eventually broke the stand, sending Ali Usman back for 16.

Shakeel refused to surrender despite the regular fall of wickets at the opposite end. The batter continued to attack the bowling and edged closer to what would have been his fifth Test century. His hopes of reaching three figures were ended by Josh Tongue, who dismissed him for a gutsy 97 from 122 deliveries. Shakeel’s innings contained 13 fours and two sixes.

Tongue remained on the attack, claiming Khurram Shahzad as his next victim with a cleverly disguised slower ball. Shahzad departed for nine from 13 balls, having struck one boundary.

The England seamer then finished the job by dismissing Mohammad Ali for eight, bringing Pakistan’s innings to an end and sealing England’s series-clinching win.
Imam-ul-Haq did not bat in the second innings because of his injury.

Robinson led England’s bowling attack with four wickets, while Tongue picked up three and Archer finished with two

Earlier, England had resumed their second innings on 177 for seven and added 31 runs before being bowled out for 208 in 54.2 overs.

Pakistan’s bowling effort was spearheaded by Mohammad Abbas, who produced an excellent spell to claim his eighth five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

The series will conclude with the third Test at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, scheduled to take place from September 9 to 13.