Pakistan bowled out for 135, lose by innings and 103 runs in Headingley Test
Synopsis
Pakistan were dismantled twice inside three days at Headingley, crumbling for 171 and 135 as England's pace attack — led by a match-defining 8/80 from Ollie Robinson — sealed an innings and 103-run win. The result dumps Pakistan to the foot of the WTC table at 19.05% and sets up a must-respond contest at Lord's on 27 August.
Key Takeaways
England beat Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the first Test at Headingley on 21 August .
Pakistan were bowled out for 171 and 135 across their two innings.
Ollie Robinson claimed match figures of 8 for 80 and was named Player of the Match .
Harry Brook (91), Jordan Cox (73), Joe Root (66), and Dan Lawrence (51) powered England's first-innings total to a lead of 238 runs .
Pakistan have dropped to the bottom of the ICC WTC 2025–27 table with a points percentage of 19.05 , falling below the West Indies .
The second Test begins at Lord's on 27 August .
Pakistan suffered a crushing innings and 103-run defeat against England in the first Test at Headingley on 21 August, bowled out for a meagre 135 in their second innings as the hosts wrapped up a comprehensive victory inside three days. The result hands England a commanding start to the series and strengthens their position in the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle.
Robinson Runs Through Pakistan Again
Ollie Robinson was the chief destroyer across both innings, finishing the match with figures of 8 for 80 — a performance that earned him the Player of the Match award. Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue shared the remaining nine wickets in the second innings between them, continuing England's relentless pace assault that Pakistan could not answer throughout the contest.
Second Innings Collapse in Detail
Pakistan began their second innings already staring down a 238-run first-innings deficit, and the situation deteriorated almost immediately. Archer removed Imam-ul-Haq in his very first over, setting the tone for what followed. Shan Masood attempted a counter-attack with several boundaries, but England's seamers maintained relentless pressure. Abdullah Shafique edged behind while defending, and Pakistan were in deep trouble before the lunch break.
After the interval, Tongue dismantled the middle order, dismissing Saud Shakeel before removing both Masood and Salman Agha in the same over. Mohammad Rizwan offered some resistance with 41 runs, but Robinson continued to take wickets at the other end. Gus Atkinson ended Rizwan's innings before Archer completed the rout by dismissing the final batter in the 38th over.
England's First-Innings Dominance
The platform for England's victory was laid in their only innings. After Pakistan were dismissed for 171 in their first dig — with Robinson taking 5 for 51 and Tongue claiming 5 for 46 — England's middle order responded emphatically. Jordan Cox scored 73, Joe Root made 66, Harry Brook contributed 91, and Dan Lawrence added 51. Jofra Archer also chipped in with the bat on the third morning, helping England extend their lead beyond 200 before Jamie Smith was dismissed for 25 to end the innings. Pakistan's Ali Usman was the pick of the bowlers with 5 for 95.
WTC Standings and What Comes Next
The decisive win marks a strong opening to Joe Root's second stint as England's full-time Test captain. In the ICC World Test Championship table, England have moved up while Pakistan have slipped below the West Indies, dropping to the bottom with a points percentage of just 19.05. The two sides will next meet in the second Test at Lord's, starting 27 August.
Point of View
But the Headingley collapse lays bare a structural problem: the top order cannot absorb early pressure from quality pace bowling, and the middle order offers no reliable anchor once the openers fall cheaply. Robinson's 8/80 is a career-best, but the manner of Pakistan's capitulation — twice dismissed below 180 — suggests the issue is less about England's brilliance and more about Pakistan's chronic inability to build partnerships under duress. With the WTC table now showing a 19.05% points percentage, Pakistan face a must-win situation at Lord's before the series even reaches the halfway mark. Root's return as full-time captain, meanwhile, has been given the perfect start — and England will be aware that momentum at Lord's could effectively seal the series.
NationPress
21 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the England vs Pakistan first Test at Headingley?
England won the first Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs on 21 August, dismissing Pakistan for 171 and 135 across their two innings. The hosts wrapped up victory inside three days.
How did Ollie Robinson perform in the Headingley Test?
Ollie Robinson was the standout performer, taking 8 wickets for 80 runs across both innings — including 5 for 51 in the first innings and key breakthroughs in the second. He was named Player of the Match for his efforts.
How does this result affect the ICC World Test Championship standings?
England's win improves their position in the ICC WTC 2025–27 cycle, while Pakistan have dropped to the bottom of the table with a points percentage of 19.05, falling below the West Indies.
Who were England's top scorers in their first innings?
Harry Brook top-scored with 91, followed by Jordan Cox (73), Joe Root (66), and Dan Lawrence (51). Their combined contributions gave England a first-innings lead of 238 runs over Pakistan.
When and where is the second Test between England and Pakistan?
The second Test will be played at Lord's, London, starting on 27 August.
