HomeSportsEngland beat Pakistan in first Test at Headingley

England beat Pakistan in first Test at Headingley

England players celebrate after taking a wicket during the first Test between Pakistan and England at Headingley in Leeds on August 21, 2026. — Reuters 
  • England claim last seven wickets for 76 runs.
  • Robinson, Archer, Tongue take three each.
  • Rizwan top-scores with resilient 41.

England defeated Pakistan by an innings and 120 runs in the opening Test of the three-match series at Headingley on Friday.

Trailing a 238-run deficit, Pakistan were bowled out for 118 in their second innings, handing the hosts a convincing victory.

Pakistan got off to a shaky start to their second innings as Jofra Archer dismissed experienced opener Imam-ul-Haq (zero) in the second over.

Archer struck again in his next over, dismissing another opener, Azan Awais (nine), as Pakistan slipped down to 13/2.

Following the early setbacks, in-form Abdullah Shafique (15) joined Masood in the middle, and the duo mustered 38 runs for the third wicket until the former fell victim to Robinson in the 14th over.

The Green Shirts resumed their second innings after the lunch break from 59/3 and lost all of their remaining seven wickets in the afternoon session of the third day for 76 runs despite wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan’s resilience, who remained their top-scorer with a 39-ball 41.

Besides Rizwan, only Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel could amass double figures, making 29, 15 and 14, respectively.

The pace trio of Robinson, Archer and Tongue jointly led England’s bowling charge in the second innings with three wickets each, while fellow speedster Gus Atkinson chipped in with one.

At the start of the third day, England resumed their first innings at 364/8 and added 45 runs before being bowled out for 409 in 89.5 overs.

Jamie Smith and Jofra Archer initially frustrated Pakistan with a 28-run partnership that took England past 400 and further extended their lead.

Khurram Shahzad eventually broke the stand, dismissing Smith for 25 off 52 balls, including two boundaries.

Archer continued to add runs before Josh Tongue joined him and struck Abbas for a boundary as England moved beyond 400.

Shahzad then claimed his third wicket by dismissing Tongue for eight off 10 balls, with two boundaries.

Ali Usman was Pakistan’s standout bowler, finishing with 5/95 in 24 overs to claim his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Shahzad took three wickets, while Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali claimed one each.

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