Pakistan captain Babar Azam acknowledged that his team’s batting shortcomings were the primary factor in their 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lord’s. The outcome left Pakistan trailing in the series as England secured a comprehensive victory.

After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bowl first, aiming to exploit favorable conditions. While the bowling attack showed moments of promise, the batting lineup failed to capitalize in both innings, according to Babar. “We tried to utilise the conditions,” he said in the post-match presentation, “but the batting was not up to the mark. In the second innings as well, despite some good bowling from Abbas, the batting collapsed again.”

Babar singled out Saud Shakeel for his resilient performance. Shakeel demonstrated “class and determination” while attempting to stabilize the innings and forge key partnerships during the chase. However, the Pakistan captain noted the lack of sustained partnerships ultimately hindered the team’s efforts. “We followed our plans and tried to build partnerships, but unfortunately we didn’t have partnerships,” he remarked.

The bowling effort featured a standout performance from Mohammed Abbas, who claimed five wickets in the second innings—an achievement Babar described as a “memorable moment” at the historic Lord’s ground. Abbas’s five-wicket haul was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise challenging match for Pakistan’s bowlers.

England’s bowling unit, led by Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, and Jofra Archer, played a decisive role in dismantling Pakistan’s batting order. Robinson was particularly effective, finishing with match figures of 8 for 35 and earning the Player of the Match award. England bowled Pakistan out for 194 in their second innings while chasing a target of 389, sealing a commanding victory.

Babar expressed the team’s ongoing commitment to improvement, emphasizing their efforts across both batting and bowling departments. Despite the loss, Pakistan will look to regroup as the series continues.