England defeated Pakistan by eight wickets at Edgbaston on Saturday, September 12, 2026, securing a 3-0 series sweep under returning captain Joe Root. Despite an early morning batting collapse and a remarkable 81-run onslaught from debutant Razaullah, Root and Jordan Cox guided the hosts past their 130-run target.
England completed a resounding 3-0 whitewash over Pakistan in their three-match Test series, comfortably winning the third and final Test at Edgbaston on Saturday, September 12. The victory marks a historic achievement for the home side, standing as their first-ever home series whitewash against Pakistan in Test cricket. It also provides a powerful statement for Joe Root under his renewed captaincy.
Early Edgbaston Scare and Mohammad Abbas Strike Early
The run chase began in alarming fashion for England when Mohammad Abbas hitched up his strides, glided into the crease, and sent Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay trudging back to the Edgbaston pavilion to bookend a magical first over. Abbas struck twice in the opening over to breathe further life into the third Test, leaving the hosts reeling at 2-2.
Ben Duckett rounded off a miserable series with a first-ball departure, held low down by wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori, before Emilio Gay was pinned leg before wicket by one that nipped back off the seam. History weighed heavily on the chase, as only once had Pakistan successfully defended so few runs in Test history—against New Zealand back in 1993 with Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram in their pomp, defending 127.
With the score in disarray, Joe Root walked out and immediately got down to his usual business, batting on leg stump to minimise the threat of leg-before decisions. Alongside Jordan Cox, whose start to Test cricket has been deeply assured, Root steadied the innings on a pitch that offered no demons by this stage.
Photo: WRAL
Root required some fortune along the way. He chopped an expansive cover-drive against Mohammad Ali into his leg stump on 23, but the delivery was called a no-ball—marking Ali’s 17th no-ball of the series.
Root finished unbeaten on 62 off 69 deliveries, while Jordan Cox contributed a calm, unbeaten 59 from 76 balls. The pair shared an unbroken partnership of 128, sealing the eight-wicket victory just before lunch.
Razaullah’s Historic Debut and Pakistan’s Tour Reflection
Pakistan’s spirited resistance in the second innings was anchored by Shan Masood’s 95, Babar Azam’s 76, Azan Awais’s 59, and an astonishing lower-order onslaught from 21-year-old debutant Razaullah. Coming to the crease when Pakistan was in danger of folding, Razaullah smashed 81 off just 63 deliveries, clearing the ropes a staggering nine times to equal Tim Southee’s record for the most sixes by a player on Test debut.
Photo: BBC
That extraordinary innings pushed Pakistan to 449 all out, setting England a target of 130. Reflecting on the intense pressure exerted by Pakistan’s lower order, the article notes the team’s struggles but does not include further details.
“Fair play to Pakistan, they threw some punches last night.”
Root and Cox Shine | Highlights – England v Pakistan Day 4 | Rothesay Test 2026
Joe Root, via The Times of India
“Test cricket is not always going to go your own way but to see us actually be quite clinical with the bat off the back of that was good too. So in many ways we’re better for it.”
Pakistan captain Babar Azam pointed to the team’s early batting struggles as the decisive factor in the defeat, noting that the first-innings collapse to 133 all out ultimately cost them the match despite a much-improved second innings showing.
“We had a couple of good moments. I think we have bowled well but I think the first innings cost us.”
Babar Azam, Pakistan Captain, via The Times of India
Series Statistics and Upcoming Winter Tours
Ollie Robinson led England’s pace attack throughout the summer. Looking ahead to the winter calendar, England will travel to South Africa for three Tests in December, while Pakistan prepares to host Sri Lanka for a two-Test series in November.
Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.
