England achieved a 3-0 Test series victory over Pakistan by successfully chasing a target of 130 runs, finishing with eight wickets remaining on the fourth day in Birmingham.
Pakistan, having been bowled out for a mere 133 in their first innings, demonstrated improved determination in their second innings, amassing 449 runs to set England a relatively modest target. Earlier, England had posted 453 runs, establishing a significant first-innings lead.
The home team faced a tumultuous beginning to their chase, losing both opening batsmen in the very first over. Ben Duckett was out for a first-ball duck, while Emilio Gay also went back to the pavilion without scoring on the last ball of the over.
Joe Root and Jordan Cox took charge of the innings, with Root scoring a steady 62 and Cox remaining not out on 59, leading England to a total of 134 for two and sealing the victory.
Pakistan’s second innings featured several key performances. Shan Masood fell just short of a century, finishing with 95, while Babar Azam contributed 76 and Azan Awais added 59. Saud Shakeel chipped in with 29, and Ghazi Ghori scored 16.
The lower order gave Pakistan a late surge, highlighted by Test debutant Razaullah, who made an impressive 81, including nine sixes and four fours. Mohammad Abbas also played a brisk innings of 40, helping Pakistan to extend their total to 449.
England’s early wickets briefly raised Pakistan’s hopes of defending their total, but Root and Cox managed the pressure effectively, gradually steering the match to a close.
With this eight-wicket victory, England achieved wins in all three Tests, completing a thorough series whitewash against Pakistan.