Pakistan crushed by England, slide to WTC bottom
LEEDS: Pakistan’s World Test Championship campaign suffered another setback on Friday as they slipped to the bottom of the WTC 2025-27 standings after England completed a crushing innings victory in the first Test at Headingley.
The defeat leaves Pakistan with just two wins from seven matches and a points percentage of 19.05, increasing the pressure on the team ahead of the remaining two Tests of the three-match series.
England, meanwhile, remain seventh in the standings with a points percentage of 29.76, having won five of their 14 matches.
Australia continue to dominate the WTC table. They sit top with seven wins from nine Tests, collecting 84 points at a winning percentage of 77.78. Defending champions South Africa are second with three wins from four matches and a 75% percentage.
New Zealand occupy third place, followed by Bangladesh and India.
Pakistan’s latest defeat exposed familiar problems with both their batting and ability to handle England’s pace attack. After being asked to bat, Pakistan were dismissed for just 171 in their first innings.
England’s bowlers Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue were particularly effective, claiming five wickets each.
England then turned their advantage into a commanding position, piling up 409 runs in their first innings. Jordan Cox, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence all contributed half-centuries, while Pakistan spinner Ali Usman fought back with an impressive five-wicket haul.
Pakistan entered their second innings facing a massive 238-run deficit and needed a determined batting effort to save the match.
Instead, their resistance lasted only 37.3 overs.
Pakistan were bowled out for 135, handing England a comprehensive innings victory and leaving their opponents with a 1-0 lead in the series.
Robinson was the standout performer. His eight wickets across the match earned him the Player of the Match award and helped England secure a dominant start to the series.

Pakistan had entered the England tour after drawing their two-Test series against the West Indies 1-1, but their Headingley collapse has put their WTC campaign under renewed pressure.
With two Tests still remaining, Pakistan will need a dramatic turnaround in batting consistency and bowling execution to keep their hopes of climbing the championship table alive.