Joe Root’s second stint as captain started on a high as England’s fast bowlers didn’t give the visitors a breather at any stage of the Test. Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue were brilliant on the opening day, skittling Pakistan for just 171 runs.
In response, England rode on half-centuries from their middle-order batters. Harry Brook top-scored among them with a 91-run knock. Joe Root (66), Jordan Cox (73) and Dan Lawrence (51) were the other batters to hit a half century. England batted at a fair clip to post 409 in their first innings and took a massive lead of 238 runs.
Pakistan were expected to put up a fight in their second innings, but their batters put in a shambolic performance. Robinson and Tongue were once again among the wickets, picking up three wickets each. However, it was Jofra Archer who did the damage with the new ball and finished with three scalps too.
The visitors were bundled out for only 135 runs in 37.3 overs, succumbing to an innings defeat. Left-arm spinner Ali Usman’s five-wicket haul in the first innings was the only positive for Pakistan, while Robinson took home the player of the match award for picking up eight wickets in the Test.
Updated WTC 2025-27 points table after England beat Pakistan in LeedsPakistan have slipped below the West Indies to the bottom of the WTC points table with this defeat. Meanwhile, England have remained in seventh place with five wins from 14 matches and have a PCT of 29.76.
Position
Team
Played
Won
Lost
Drawn
Deducted
Points
PCT
1
Australia
9
7
2
0
0
84
77.78
2
South Africa
4
3
1
0
0
36
75
3
New Zealand
6
4
1
1
0
52
72.22
4
Bangladesh
5
3
1
1
0
40
66.67
5
India
10
5
4
1
0
64
53.33
6
Sri Lanka
5
1
2
2
0
20
33.33
7
England
14
5
8
1
14
50
29.76
8
West Indies
12
2
8
2
2
30
20.83
9
Pakistan
7
2
5
0
0
16
19.05
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
Leave a Comment