England have beaten Pakistan at Headingly, thus taking an unasailable 2-0 lead in the series. It is England’s first home series win against Pakistan for 24 years.
Batting first, England made a huge total of 515, with Pietersen scoring 135 after a contraversial not out decision early on in his innings, and Ian Bell again in the runs with 119. Umar Gul bowled well to take 5/123. The total was overhauled by Pakistan, who scored 538. England looked like dismissing Pakistan for a low score at 36/2, but Younis Khan (173) and Mohammad Yousuf (192) put on a partnership of 363 to steady things somewhat for them. Pakistan couldn’t capitialise on that fine partnership though, and extras were the next highest scorer.
With the game looking like a draw England started steadily, with Andrew Strauss compiling a patient 116. A collapse soon followed though, and Chris Read couldn’t quite hold things together despite a fine under-pressure 55, and England were dismissed for 345, making a result a distinct possibility. Monty Panesar and Sajid Mahmood then bowled excellently to dismiss the visitors for 155, giving England the win by 167 runs.
Result
England 1st innings: 515 all out (Pietersen 135, Bell 115, Umar Gul 5/123)
Pakistan 1st innings: 538 all out (Younis Khan 173, Mohammad Yousuf 192)
England 2nd innings: 345 all out (Strauss 116)
Pakistan 2nd innings: 155 all out
England win by 167 runs
England lead series 2-0 (1 to play)
