BIRMINGHAM: England defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the third and final Test in Birmingham, completing a historic 3-0 series whitewash in a home Test series against Pakistan for the first time.
Chasing a target of 130 runs on the fourth day, England lost two early wickets and Pakistan briefly appeared capable of making the chase difficult.
Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas struck twice in the opening stages, giving his side hope of an unlikely comeback. However, England recovered through a composed partnership between Jordan Cox and captain Joe Root.
Cox scored an unbeaten 59, while Root remained not out on 62, guiding England safely to the target. England reached 130 for the loss of two wickets to secure an eight-wicket victory.
The result completed a memorable series for England and marked the first time Pakistan have been whitewashed by England in a Test series played on English soil.
Pakistan had endured a difficult first innings after being dismissed for just 133 runs. England responded strongly, piling up 453 runs and securing a commanding first-innings lead of 320 runs.
Pakistan showed considerable resistance in the second innings, scoring 449 runs and setting England a target of 130. Despite the improved batting performance, the target proved insufficient to prevent England from completing the series sweep.
The Birmingham Test had appeared to offer Pakistan a chance to fight back after their strong second-innings recovery. The team’s lower order also made an important contribution, helping Pakistan establish a lead after being heavily behind following the first innings.
However, England’s disciplined batting in the final chase ensured that Pakistan’s resistance did not result in a different outcome.
Joe Root’s unbeaten 62 was particularly important as England recovered from the early loss of wickets. His experience and composure, alongside Cox’s aggressive but controlled 59, allowed England to finish the match without further damage.
The eight-wicket victory gave England a clean sweep and underlined their dominance throughout the home series.
For Pakistan, the 3-0 defeat represents a disappointing conclusion to the series. After being bowled out for 133 in the first innings, the visitors needed a major improvement in their second innings merely to remain competitive. Although they managed to score 449, England’s substantial first-innings advantage meant that the final target remained relatively modest.
England’s achievement is also significant historically because Pakistan had previously avoided a complete home-series whitewash by England. The result in Birmingham has now changed that record.
The series therefore ends with England winning all three Tests and Pakistan returning home without a victory. England’s ability to capitalize on Pakistan’s first-innings collapse and successfully chase the final target proved decisive.
With the third Test ending in an eight-wicket defeat, Pakistan will now face questions over their batting consistency, particularly their inability to post a competitive first-innings total in Birmingham.
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