Joe Root Achieves Milestone as England Triumphs Over Pakistan

In a remarkable achievement, Joe Root has become the most successful England captain against Asian teams in Test cricket. Following a 194-run victory over Pakistan at Lord's, Root's record now stands at 15 wins against Asian sides. This match also highlighted Pakistan's ongoing struggles in SENA countries, extending their winless streak to 18 Tests. The match showcased England's bowling prowess, with Ollie Robinson taking 8 wickets, while Pakistan's batting issues were starkly evident. Read on to discover more about this historic match and its implications for both teams.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 31, 2026, 10:41 IST

Joe Root Achieves Captaincy Milestone

Joe Root has made history by becoming the most successful England captain against Asian teams in Test cricket. This achievement comes after England secured a commanding 194-run victory over Pakistan at Lord's, taking a decisive 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Root, who captained the team from 2017 to 2022, has achieved 15 Test victories against Asian nations in 25 matches, surpassing Andrew Strauss, who has 14 wins in 22 matches, and Alastair Cook, who has 12 victories in 30 matches. Nasser Hussain and Ben Stokes each have seven wins.

Pakistan's Struggles Abroad Persist

This defeat marks a continuation of Pakistan's difficulties in SENA countries, where they have not won in their last 18 Tests since 2018. During this stretch, they have faced 16 losses and managed only two draws, with their last victory occurring at Lord's in May 2018.

Additionally, this loss at Lord's is significant as it is Pakistan's first defeat at this venue since 2010, following wins in 2016 and 2018. Their last Test series win in England dates back to 1996.

Batting Issues Come to Light

The second Test further exposed Pakistan's batting deficiencies, with a false-shot percentage of 32.7%, the second-highest recorded in a Test match in England since detailed data tracking began. The only higher percentage was noted during the England-South Africa Test at The Oval in 2022, which recorded 32.9%.

Pakistan's total of 304 runs in the match is among their six lowest scores in Tests played in England. In their previous match at Leeds, they managed a total of 306 runs. Furthermore, they faced only 529 balls across both innings at Lord's, marking one of their lowest ball counts in a completed Test, with their record low being 419 balls against England at the same venue in 2010.

Match Summary: England's Dominance at Lord's

In the match, England's bowlers, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, and Jofra Archer, effectively dismantled Pakistan's batting order, bowling them out for 194 while chasing a target of 389. Robinson was the standout performer, finishing with match figures of 8/35 and earning the Player of the Match award.

England faced early challenges in their first innings, reduced to 77/4 by Pakistan. However, Jordan Cox (55) and Jamie Smith (61) stabilized the innings, supported by lower-order contributions from Gus Atkinson (45) and Josh Tongue (30*), leading to a total of 290.

Pakistan's bowlers, Mohammed Abbas (4/73) and Mohammed Ali (3/86), showed promise, but their batting lineup faltered, resulting in a first-innings score of just 110. Robinson took four wickets, while Archer and Tongue contributed with three and two wickets, respectively, giving England a substantial 180-run lead.

In their second innings, England set a target of 389 after scoring 208, with Dan Lawrence being the top scorer at 54. Abbas achieved a five-wicket haul for Pakistan. In response, Pakistan lost early wickets but saw a brief recovery through a 97-run partnership between Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel. Shakeel fought valiantly, scoring 97, but ultimately, Pakistan was bowled out for 194.