England completed a 3-0 Test series sweep against Pakistan after an eight-wicket victory at Edgbaston on Saturday.
Chasing 130 for victory, England reached the target in 24.2 overs. Joe Root finished unbeaten on 62, while Jordan Cox added an unbeaten 59.
The result gave England their first home Test series whitewash against Pakistan.
Pakistan Give England an Early Scare
England appeared to be heading for a comfortable chase. However, Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas struck twice in the opening over.
Ben Duckett fell first, followed by Emilio Gay. Suddenly, England were under pressure at 0-2.
Root then survived a nervous start. He edged his first delivery from Razaullah through the slips for four.
The England batter also survived when he chopped Mohammad Ali onto his stumps. However, the delivery was called a no-ball.
Root and Cox Steady England
Root gradually took control of the chase.
He found the boundary regularly and reached his half-century from 57 balls. Cox soon followed him to fifty as England regained complete control.
The pair then guided England across the finish line without further damage.
Root ended with 62 not out, while Cox remained unbeaten on 59.
Razaullah Provides Pakistan’s Biggest Highlight
Although Pakistan suffered another heavy defeat, debutant Razaullah gave the visitors something to celebrate.
The 21-year-old fast bowler produced an extraordinary counterattack on the third day. He smashed 81 from only 63 balls and hit nine sixes.
His partnership with Mohammad Abbas helped Pakistan add 121 runs for the eighth wicket.
Razaullah’s nine sixes also equalled the record for most sixes by a Test debutant in an innings.
England Survive Razaullah Fightback
Razaullah’s innings delayed England’s victory.
Pakistan had looked certain to lose inside three days. Instead, the explosive partnership with Abbas pushed the target to 130.
England therefore had to return on Saturday to complete the job.
Despite the late resistance, Pakistan could not create another major surprise.
Pakistan End Difficult England Tour
The defeat completed a miserable Test series for Pakistan.
England won the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs. They then won the second Test by 194 runs.
Pakistan also underwent major changes during the tour. Seven players were sent home after the second Test, while the coaching staff was reshuffled.
The team made further changes before the final Test but could not prevent another defeat.
England Recover From Difficult Summer
The clean sweep provides a major boost for England after a turbulent period.
The team had suffered a Test series defeat against New Zealand before several major changes affected the setup.
Now, however, England have finished the Pakistan series with three convincing victories.
Joe Root’s return to the captaincy also ended with a successful series result.
England Pakistan Test Series Sets Up Next Challenge
The England Pakistan Test series has given the hosts valuable momentum ahead of tougher assignments.
England’s next major Test challenge will come in South Africa during December and January.
They will also prepare for a home Ashes series against Australia next year.
For Pakistan, the 3-0 defeat highlights major problems with their batting, team stability and overall preparation.
However, Razaullah’s remarkable debut provides one encouraging sign for the future.
England, meanwhile, can celebrate a dominant home series and build on the confidence gained from completing a clean sweep.
