Edgbaston: England completed a dominant 3-0 Test series clean sweep over Pakistan after beating the visitors by eight wickets in the third and final Test at Edgbaston. The victory capped a highly impressive series for England, who won all three matches convincingly.
Chasing a modest target of 130, England suffered a dramatic start when Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas dismissed Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay in the opening over, leaving the hosts struggling at 2 for 2.
However, the early setback did little to derail England. Joe Root and Jordan Cox produced a composed and match-winning partnership. Root finished unbeaten on 62, while Cox remained not out on 59, guiding England safely to the target with eight wickets in hand.
Root was also given a crucial reprieve during the chase. He was bowled on 20, but the delivery was ruled a no-ball because of an overstep. Root capitalised on the opportunity and went on to lead England across the finish line.
Pakistan Fight Back Before England’s Chase
Pakistan had shown considerable resistance in their second innings after conceding a huge first-innings deficit. Shan Masood scored 95, while Babar Azam made 76 to keep Pakistan’s hopes alive.
The biggest late-order contribution came from Test debutant Razaullah, who smashed 81 runs at number nine. His aggressive innings, including several sixes, combined with Mohammad Abbas’ 42 to produce a crucial 121-run ninth-wicket partnership.
Razaullah also recorded a remarkable milestone by reaching his maiden Test half-century in just 43 balls, the fastest fifty by a Pakistan batter on Test debut. Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 449, setting England a target of 130.
England’s Dominant Series
England had already taken control of the series in the opening Test at Headingley, winning by an innings and 103 runs. They then secured a 194-run victory at Lord’s in the second Test to take an unassailable 2-0 lead.
The eight-wicket victory at Edgbaston completed the whitewash and underlined England’s superiority across the three-match series.
England’s bowling attack was particularly impressive throughout the series, with Ollie Robinson playing a major role and finishing as one of the standout performers. Pakistan, meanwhile, will have plenty to address after a difficult campaign marked by inconsistent performances and selection instability.
For England, the 3-0 triumph provides a major boost in confidence and momentum ahead of their upcoming challenges, while Pakistan will look to regroup and rebuild after a disappointing tour.
