England beat Pakistan by 194 runs in the second Test of the three-match series at Lord’s on Sunday, taking an unassailable lead of 2-0.
Chasing a mammoth target of 389, Pakistan were bowled out for 194 despite an exceptional 97 from Saud Shakeel, which ultimately went in vain, while opener Imam-ul-Haq did not come out to bat in the second innings due to injury.
Pakistan endured a disastrous start to their chase. Opening batter Azan Awais became the first wicket to fall on the third delivery of the fifth over, with Robinson trapping him leg before wicket for six off 14 deliveries, including one boundary.
Robinson struck again on the final delivery of the same over, removing Abdullah Shafique for a duck. Pakistan were subsequently reduced to 14/3 after 7.1 overs when Jofra Archer dismissed captain Babar Azam for six off eight deliveries, with the right-hander hitting one boundary.
Pakistan then showed resilience in the second session as Shakeel produced an impressive batting display, bringing up his 11th Test half-century.
The left-hander also shared a crucial partnership for the fourth wicket with Shan Masood. Shakeel adopted a positive approach, rotating the strike effectively and keeping the scoreboard moving alongside Shan.
However, their promising 97-run partnership was eventually broken when Robinson struck for the third time in the innings. The England pacer dismissed Shan for 26, with the left-haner hitting two boundaries during his stay at the crease.
Pakistan suffered another setback soon after, with Robinson claiming his fourth wicket by trapping Mohammad Rizwan leg before wicket for one off nine balls. The dismissal left the visitors struggling at 115/5 after 32.5 overs.
Ali Usman provided and Shakeel some sort of support in the final session, putting together a crucial 31-run partnership before being removed by Jofra Archer for 16.
Shakeel continued to fight for his side despite wickets tumbling at the other end, aiming to bring up his fifth Test century.
However, his efforts fell short when Josh Tongue dismissed him for 97 off 122 deliveries, with his innings featuring 13 fours and two sixes.
Tongue then claimed his second wicket with a slower delivery that dismissed Khurram Shahzad for nine off 13 deliveries, including one boundary. The England pacer then removed the final batter, Mohammad Ali, for eight to seal victory for the hosts.
Imam did not come out to bat due to injury.
For England, Robinson picked up four wickets while Tongue and Archer claimed three and two respectively.
Earlier in the day, England resumed at 177/7 and were bowled out for 208 in 54.2 overs in their second innings.
For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas led an outstanding bowling effort, claiming his eighth career five-wicket haul.
The third and final Test is scheduled to be played at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham from September 9 to 13.
