England complete 3–0 series sweep after Pakistan’s spirited fightback in 3rd test

 

 England won by eight wickets after Pakistan produced a remarkable second-innings recovery on the third day of the 3rd test.  Joe Root & Jordan Cox closed out the match on day 4 after initial inroads by Mohammed Abbas . England had to chase down a target of 130 which was made possible by a remarkable Pakistan fightback in the 2nd Innings led by Shan Masood & Babar Azam and followed by debutant quick Razatuallah's sensational & breathtaking hitting on day 3. 

Day 3: Pakistan’s remarkable fightback

England in command after first innings

England began the third day in a commanding position after dismissing Pakistan for just 133 in the first innings and posting a formidable 453 in reply. The hosts had taken a massive 320-run lead, leaving Pakistan facing the prospect of an innings defeat and a series whitewash.

However, Pakistan’s second innings proved to be a completely different story. Their batsmen showed far greater resilience, determination and attacking intent, transforming what had looked like a one-sided contest into a dramatic battle.

Shan Masood and Azan Awais lay the foundation

Pakistan’s second innings began disastrously, with the score at 0 for 2. But captain Shan Masood and Azan Awais steadied the innings with a crucial century partnership. Masood produced a determined 95, narrowly missing a deserved hundred, while Awais contributed a valuable 59. Their resistance gave Pakistan the platform to recover from a perilous start. Both southpaws played some sparkling shots .

Masood’s dismissal was particularly impressive. Dan Lawrence held a superb low catch at fourth slip to end the Pakistan captain’s brave innings and provide England with a vital breakthrough.

Babar Azam and middle order continue the recovery

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam added a composed 76, displaying his trademark strokeplay and patience. His innings helped Pakistan maintain their momentum, although England’s bowlers continued to strike at important intervals.

Saud Shakeel also made a useful contribution of 29 before falling to Jofra Archer’s aggressive short-ball tactics. England’s pace attack, featuring Ollie Robinson, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Archer, was repeatedly challenged by Pakistan’s lower order.

Razaullah produces a sensational debut

The outstanding performance of the day came from 21-year-old debutant Razaullah Khan. Walking in at 312 for 7, he launched a breathtaking counterattack that completely changed the atmosphere at Edgbaston.

Razaullah smashed 81 runs off 63 balls, including nine sixes, displaying extraordinary courage and clean hitting against England’s pace attack. His innings equalled Ben Stokes’ record for the most sixes in a Test innings in England.

His fearless strokeplay was complemented brilliantly by Mohammad Abbas, who scored a career-best 42 from 67 deliveries. Together, the pair added a remarkable 121 runs for the ninth wicket, turning Pakistan’s precarious position into a highly competitive total.

Pakistan reach 449, England set 130

Razaullah was eventually dismissed by Dan Lawrence, while Josh Tongue accounted for both Abbas and Razaullah to bring Pakistan’s second innings to an end at 449. Pakistan had wiped out much of their first-innings deficit and set England a target of 130 runs.

England’s bowling figures were led by Gus Atkinson, who took three wickets. Despite Pakistan’s late resistance, England remained favourites to complete the victory, although the fourth day promised some tense moments.

Day 4: England survive early scare and seal victory

Pakistan strike twice in opening over

England needed just 130 runs to win the Test and complete a 3–0 series sweep. But Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas produced a sensational start, dismissing Ben Duckett with the very first ball of the innings. Emilio Gay was also dismissed in the same over, leaving England at 2 for 2 and suddenly under pressure.

The early double blow raised the possibility of an extraordinary collapse. Pakistan’s bowlers had given their team a glimmer of hope, and the Edgbaston crowd witnessed a tense opening to the final day.

Joe Root and Jordan Cox take control

Veteran England batter Joe Root then displayed his immense experience and composure. He absorbed the pressure, played with discipline and gradually took control of the chase. Root remained unbeaten on 62 from 69 balls, registering another important half-century in his illustrious Test career.

Root survived a major scare when Mohammad Ali bowled him for 23 off a no-ball. Later, on 38, he edged Abbas between first and second slip, but both fielders left the catch for each other. Those moments proved costly for Pakistan.

At the other end, Jordan Cox played an assured and attractive innings. His unbeaten 59 provided excellent support to Root and ensured that England never lost control after the initial setbacks. The pair put together an unbeaten 128-run partnership to guide England home.

England win by eight wickets

England reached 130 for 2 in just 24.2 overs, completing an eight-wicket victory. Root’s unbeaten 62 and Cox’s unbeaten 59 were the decisive contributions in a chase that began with a dramatic double-wicket setback.

The victory confirmed England’s 3–0 series whitewash and marked an emphatic finish to their home Test campaign against Pakistan.

Key statistics

• Razaullah Khan: 81 off 63 balls, 9 sixes.

• Mohammad Abbas: 42, career-best Test score.

• Shan Masood: 95.

• Babar Azam: 76.

• Azan Awais: 59.

• England first-innings lead: 320 runs.

• England winning target: 130.

• Joe Root: 62*.

• Jordan Cox: 59*.

• England victory: 8 wickets.

  
  

Conclusion

England’s 3–0 triumph was built on their outstanding bowling performance in the first innings and their ability to maintain control despite Pakistan’s remarkable resistance on Day 3. Pakistan’s lower-order fightback, led by the explosive Razaullah and Mohammad Abbas, provided one of the most entertaining passages of the series. But Root’s calm leadership with the bat and Cox’s assured support ended Pakistan’s hopes on the fourth morning.

The final Test highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both teams: England’s consistency and depth prevailed, while Pakistan showed flashes of great promise through their young players and lower-order resilience.