London, August 30, 2026: Pakistan suffered another disappointing defeat in England as the hosts won the second Test at Lord’s by 194 runs, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Test series.
Pakistan were set a difficult target of 389 runs in the fourth innings but were dismissed for 194, despite a fighting 97 from Saud Shakeel.
England Build Strong First-Innings Total
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first at Lord’s. Their fast bowlers made a promising start and reduced England to 120-5, but the hosts recovered through their middle and lower order.
Jamie Smith scored 61, Jordan Cox contributed 55, while Gus Atkinson made 45 and Josh Tongue added an important unbeaten 30 as England reached 290 all out.
Mohammad Abbas was Pakistan’s standout bowler with 4-73, while Mohammad Ali took three wickets.
Pakistan Collapse for Just 110
Pakistan’s response was the major turning point of the match.
The batting line-up struggled badly against England’s seam attack and was bowled out for only 110 runs in 37.2 overs.
Young opener Azan Awais provided the only significant resistance with 46 from 102 balls, while Saud Shakeel scored 16. Captain Babar Azam managed only 8 runs, Abdullah Shafique scored five and Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed for seven.
Ollie Robinson produced an excellent spell for England, taking 4-11, while Jofra Archer claimed 3-26 and Josh Tongue picked up two wickets.
Pakistan’s first-innings collapse handed England a huge 180-run advantage.
Imam-ul-Haq Ruled Out by Injury
Pakistan were also dealt a significant setback when opener Imam-ul-Haq was unable to bat in either innings.
Imam suffered a left calf strain while fielding on the opening day of the Test. The injury prevented him from taking his place at the top of Pakistan’s batting order, leaving the visitors effectively a batter short for the remainder of the match.
Mohammad Abbas Shines Despite Pakistan’s Struggles
Pakistan’s bowlers continued fighting and eventually dismissed England for 208 in their second innings.
Mohammad Abbas was outstanding, taking 5-57 and completing a nine-wicket match haul. His five-wicket performance also earned him a place on the famous Lord’s honours board.
Dan Lawrence top-scored for England with 54, helping the hosts set Pakistan a daunting target of 389.
Saud Shakeel Fights, but Pakistan Fall Short
Pakistan’s chase started disastrously.
Azan Awais and Abdullah Shafique were both dismissed with the score on seven before Babar Azam fell for 7, leaving Pakistan struggling at 14-3.
Saud Shakeel and Shan Masood then produced Pakistan’s best batting period of the match. The pair added 97 runs and briefly frustrated England’s bowlers.
Masood eventually departed for 27, while Mohammad Rizwan could manage only one.
Shakeel continued attacking and moved within touching distance of a memorable century at Lord’s. However, he was dismissed for 97, just three runs short of his hundred.
Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 194, giving England a convincing 194-run victory.
Pakistan’s Batting Remains the Biggest Concern
Pakistan’s bowling attack showed encouraging signs at Lord’s. Abbas was exceptional, while Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad also created problems for England.
The batting, however, remained Pakistan’s biggest weakness.
Pakistan have now failed to reach 200 in any of their four innings during the first two Tests of the series. Scores of 171 and 135 at Headingley were followed by just 110 and 194 at Lord’s.
The repeated top-order failures have made it extremely difficult for the bowlers to keep Pakistan competitive. Babar Azam’s return strengthened the side on paper, but scores of eight and seven at Lord’s meant Pakistan’s captain was unable to provide the major innings his team needed.
Saud Shakeel’s 97 was the clearest positive from the second innings, while Abbas’ nine wickets showed that Pakistan can still challenge England with the ball.
But unless the batting unit finds greater consistency, partnerships and patience against England’s seamers, Pakistan will find it difficult to avoid a series whitewash.
Match Summary
England: 290 & 208
Pakistan: 110 & 194
Target: 389
Result: England won by 194 runs
Series: England lead 2-0
The third and final Test will now give Pakistan an opportunity to restore some pride and avoid a 3-0 series defeat.
