England dominate Pakistan to win Headingley Test by innings and 103 runs

LEEDS: Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue starred with the ball as England handed Pakistan a crushing defeat in the opening Test of the three-match series at Headingley on Friday.

Pakistan were bowled out for 137 in 37.3 overs, suffering an innings defeat by 103 runs as England took the lead in the series.

Chasing a daunting target, Pakistan were reduced to 59-3 in 13.4 overs, with captain Shan Masood unbeaten on 28 off 53 balls and Saud Shakeel scoring five off 13 deliveries.

Pakistan endured another difficult start after being dismissed for 171 in their first innings. Imam-ul-Haq fell for a duck in the second over, caught by Jamie Smith off Jofra Archer’s bowling, while Azan Awais made one boundary in his nine-ball stay before departing.

At 13-2, Abdullah Shafique joined Masood at the crease and the pair attempted to steady the innings, putting together 38 runs for the third wicket.

However, Robinson broke the partnership by dismissing Shafique, who was drawn forward and edged a catch to slip. He scored 15 off 29 balls, including two fours.

Earlier, England were bowled out for 409 in 89.5 overs, securing a commanding 238-run first-innings lead after resuming the day on 366-8.

Jamie Smith and Archer extended England’s advantage with a 28-run partnership for the ninth wicket, taking the hosts beyond the 400-run mark.

Khurram Shahzad ended the stand by dismissing Smith for 25 off 52 balls. Archer remained unbeaten on 23 off 25 deliveries, while Josh Tongue scored eight before Shahzad removed him to complete his third wicket and wrap up England’s innings.

Ali Usman was Pakistan’s standout bowler, claiming 5-95 in 24 overs to register his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Shahzad finished with 3-133, while Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali took one wicket each.

England had established a strong position on the second day after dismissing Pakistan for 171 in the opening innings. Joe Root, Dan Lawrence and Harry Brook all scored half-centuries to put the hosts firmly in control.