Pakistan threaten another twist before England regain control at Edgbaston on day 4 of 3rd Test. England completed a 3-0 Test series sweep over Pakistan after surviving a brief scare and comfortably chasing down their target on the fourth day.
Pakistan had threatened to extend the contest after a remarkable lower-order recovery. However, England’s experienced top order eventually removed the pressure and guided the hosts home.
Joe Root played a key role once again. He also finished the series on a high as England’s returning captain. England began the chase badly.
Mohammad Abbas struck twice in the opening over. He removed both English openers and suddenly reduced the hosts to 2/2. For a short period, Pakistan had a chance to create another dramatic twist.
However, Root responded with his trademark patience. He joined forces with Jordan Cox and gradually took the sting out of the new ball.
Pakistan briefly had another opportunity when Mohammad Ali bowled Root around his legs. However, the delivery was ruled a no-ball because of an overstep. Root survived.
From there, he and Cox steadily rebuilt the innings and denied Pakistan any further breakthrough. Pakistan’s biggest highlight came from debutant Razaullah.
The youngster had already impressed with the ball earlier in the match. He claimed four wickets on debut, including the prized dismissal of Root. Yet his batting performance was even more extraordinary.
Pakistan were struggling at 312/7 when Razaullah arrived at the crease. They were still eight runs behind England and looked close to being bowled out. Instead, the debutant attacked.
He played with remarkable freedom and repeatedly cleared the boundary. His aggressive approach unsettled an England attack that had dominated much of the series.
Razaullah smashed nine sixes during his innings of 81 from 63 balls. He also combined with Mohammad Abbas for a stunning 121-run ninth-wicket partnership.
That stand carried Pakistan into a substantial lead and completely changed the mood of the match.
Razaullah eventually fell late on the third day. Nevertheless, he had already produced one of the most memorable debut performances of the series.
England had entered the innings with a huge advantage. Pakistan, however, refused to surrender quickly.
Their fight began with Azan Awais and Shan Masood. The pair built the first century partnership of Pakistan’s innings.
Both batters reached half-centuries. Masood looked set for a deserved hundred before falling in the 90s.
Awais also provided valuable support before his dismissal. Then Babar Azam continued the resistance.
The former captain looked increasingly assured at the crease. He scored a fluent 76 and helped Pakistan build another important partnership with Saud Shakeel.
As a result, Pakistan put together several useful stands through the middle order.
For the first time in the series, England had to work hard for their wickets.
England had their own problems earlier in the chase. They slipped to 39/3, with Root again falling LBW. However, Emilio Gay and Harry Brook steadied the innings with a 104-run partnership.
After that, England’s middle and lower order followed the same pattern.
Several batters contributed useful half-centuries. Brook led the scoring, while the rest of the lineup kept the required runs within reach.
The pitch continued to offer good conditions for batting on day 4 of 3rd Test England vs Pakistan. Yet no England batter managed to convert a fifty into a three-figure score.
Still, the collective effort was enough.
England’s decision to field first proved highly effective.
Pakistan, playing several debutants, collapsed for just 133 in under 34 overs.
Saud Shakeel fought hard for his 43, but Pakistan lacked the experience needed to build a competitive total.
The lower order provided some resistance. In fact, Pakistan’s last four batters spent more time at the crease than their top four combined.
Even so, England quickly established control on day 4 of 3rd Test against Pakistan.
England eventually completed a 3-0 series victory.
The result gave Root the perfect start to his return as Test captain.
Pakistan showed far greater determination in this match, particularly during their second innings. Their lower-order fightback briefly threatened to make England work much harder than expected.
In the end, though, England’s greater experience and overall quality proved decisive.
Root stayed unbeaten to finish the chase. After the match, he shared handshakes and embraced Razaullah and Shan Masood.
It was a fitting conclusion to England’s Test summer and a commanding series whitewash over Pakistan.