England sealed a commanding 194-run victory over Pakistan in the second Test at Lord’s, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Amid an action-packed fourth day, Jofra Archer produced one of the most eye-catching moments of the match when his searing short delivery accounted for Pakistan captain Babar Azam for just six runs.
Jofra Archer removes Babar Azam with an unplayable bouncer
With Pakistan facing the enormous task of chasing 389, Babar’s wicket was always going to be crucial to England’s hopes of wrapping up the contest. Archer delivered precisely when his team needed him, unleashing a sharply rising bouncer that left the Pakistan skipper with very little time to react.
Babar appeared caught between playing and leaving the delivery. He took his eyes off the ball as it climbed awkwardly towards him, while his bat and gloves remained in an uncertain position. The ball struck the upper portion of the bat near the handle, clipped the top of his helmet and ballooned towards the slip cordon.
Jordan Cox reacted quickly, moving across from his position behind the slips to complete a straightforward catch. Babar departed for six, bringing another disappointing Test innings to an end.
The dismissal once again highlighted Babar’s ongoing struggles in the longest format. The Pakistan batter has now gone without a Test century since December 2022, and his scores of eight and six at Lord’s added to the pressure surrounding his red-ball form.
Here’s the video:
Too fast. Too furious 😤
Babar bounced out! ☝️
Match Centre: https://t.co/Z9bsIoMyb6 pic.twitter.com/zHcVPdCmsd
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 30, 2026
Pakistan fight back after Babar’s departure
Despite losing their captain, Pakistan refused to surrender immediately. Saud Shakeel provided a spirited response, playing with confidence and attacking intent as he looked to keep the visitors’ hopes alive. Shan Masood joined him at the other end, and the pair put together a valuable 97-run partnership. Their resistance temporarily frustrated England, with Pakistan attempting to build a platform for an unlikely chase.
The breakthrough eventually arrived when Ollie Robinson removed Masood, trapping the Pakistan batter leg before wicket. That wicket proved to be a turning point, as England quickly regained control.
England’s bowlers finish the job
Once Masood was gone, Pakistan’s lower order struggled to withstand England’s attack. The hosts claimed the final six wickets for only 83 runs, turning a potentially tense finish into a comfortable victory. Josh Tongue played a significant role in the final stages, finishing with figures of 3/46, while Robinson continued his impressive match with another four-wicket haul.
England’s overall performance was built around consistent bowling and timely contributions with the bat. The victory at the Home of Cricket ensured that the hosts could no longer lose the series, although one Test remains.
England’s 194-run triumph followed a match in which both sides had periods of dominance, but the hosts ultimately proved more clinical when the pressure intensified.
