Joe Root's unbeaten 120 guided England to a nine-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second Test at Edgbaston, clinching the three-match series 2-0 with a day to spare. The win was set up by a dominant bowling performance that dismissed Pakistan for 189 in their second innings, leaving England a target of 124, which they reached in just 23 overs.
Root's masterclass anchors chase
Root, who had scored 87 in the first innings, carried his form into the second, finishing on 120 not out off 108 balls, including 15 fours and two sixes. He shared an unbroken second-wicket stand of 99 with Ben Stokes, who made 42 not out, as England wrapped up the chase before tea on the fourth day.
The victory was England's sixth consecutive Test win under captain Stokes, and it extended their unbeaten run at Edgbaston to 10 matches. Pakistan, who had won the toss and elected to bat, were bowled out for 217 in their first innings, with James Anderson taking 4 for 52.
Bowlers set up the win
In the second innings, England's bowlers were relentless, with Ollie Robinson claiming 3 for 41 and spinner Jack Leach picking up 3 for 58. Pakistan's middle order offered some resistance, but they were never able to build a substantial partnership, and the last five wickets fell for just 38 runs.
England's openers, Zak Crawley and Alex Lees, made a solid start, putting on 25 before Lees fell for 12. Root then took control, anchoring the chase with his 30th Test century, moving him to second on the all-time list for England, behind only Alastair Cook.
Series sealed with a game to spare
The win gives England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, with the third Test set to be played at Headingley next week. Pakistan, who have now lost five consecutive Tests, will be looking to salvage pride in the final match.
Root was named player of the match for his two half-centuries and a century, while Stokes praised the team's all-round performance. "The bowlers set it up for us, and Joe was outstanding again," Stokes said. "We're playing some really good cricket right now."
