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| After England's win in Rawalpindi, Pakistan's World Test Championship hopes were in jeopardy |
Pakistan's hopes of making it to the finals of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 have been dashed by a five-day loss against England in Rawalpindi.
Pakistan was placed mid-table (No. 5) in the ICC World Test Championship standings, but had a real chance of reaching the finals due to five home Test matches against England and New Zealand.
However, a nervous batting performance at the end of the final day meant they conceded the Test from an already strong position.
Although England are in trouble to reach the WTC final, this defeat is a significant setback for Pakistan.
Australia and India's respective series wins will see Pakistan lose it.
A loss to Pakistan also puts India in control of the WTC finals, provided they secure their place despite a clean sweep of Bangladesh and losing one of their home Tests against Australia.
If Australia wins the remaining Tests against West Indies and at least two Tests against South Africa, they will still qualify for the final.
After the hosts lost Imam-ul-Haq to James Anderson, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan kept Pakistan in the hunt with a steady partnership.
Rizwan bowled 24 balls but then the spinners played a perfect foil with Shakeel. As the partnership strengthened, Pakistan forced England to take to the back foot.
At 156/3 at the stroke of Lynch, Pakistan were in control and ready to go for the win. However, Anderson struck again, sending Rizwan back for 46 with a perfect outswing.
Robinson, who had been brilliant with the ball throughout the Test, then sent Shakeel back soon after by luring a rich delivery that went straight to substitute Keaton Jennings.
Azhar Ali and Agha Salman survived till tea but Robinson soon struck, trapping Salman in front and then soon adding Azhar Ali to his scalp to leave Pakistan in tatters.
Anderson then sent back Zahid Mahmood and Haris Rauf in the same over but sealed the fate of the Test.
