England completed a massive rout over Pakistan by 330 runs at Old Trafford to level the series 1-1. It was a comprehensive performance from the hosts who were all over the clueless Pakistani batsmen. Commencing day 4 in a solid position, the hosts simply mounted their advantage as skipper Alastair Cook and Joe Root were once again involved in a sensational partnership.
Skipper Alastair Cook played a rather unselfish innings as he declared the innings when he remained unbeaten on 76. Cook didn’t bother to bring up the 30th century of his career, which would have also been the second of this game. Root, however, seemed to be in the mood for some limited overs stuff as his 48 ball knock of 71 pummeled the Pakistan bowlers.
Chasing an improbable 565 to win, Pakistan’s only hope to survive was to put on a show of serious blockathon. But in conditions assisting the English seamers, blocking their way out for nearly 2 days was a task just too perilous for the Pakistani batsmen.
Comeback man James Anderson made an immediate impression in the second innings as he struck twice in his first spell to get rid of Shan Masood and Azhar Ali. Anderson went on to dismiss Masood for the sixth time in six innings!
Mohammad Hafeez and the unorthodox Younis Khan tried to stitch up a stand but in vain as Moeen Ali broke through. Once skipper Misbah Ul Haq was castled by Chris Woakes, it was just a matter of time before the visitors collapsed.
Mohammed Amir was the last man to be dismissed and that completed Pakistan’s misery at Manchester to hand England a victory by 330 runs. Joe Root was named the Man of the Match for his stellar knock of 254 in the first innings.
Catch the highlights of the fourth day in the video below.