LONDON: Pakistan cricket team’s Test record has suffered a major setback as their number of defeats has surpassed their victories for the first time since 1987 after defeat against England on Sunday.
The unwanted milestone came after Pakistan were beaten by England by 194 runs in the second Test at Lord’s on Sunday, handing the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Chasing 389 for victory, Pakistan were bowled out for 194 despite a fighting 97 from Saud Shakeel.
The defeat left Pakistan with 154 losses against 153 victories from 473 Tests. The remaining 166 matches have ended in draws.
Pakistan had last experienced more defeats than wins following their draw against England at The Oval in August 1987. At that stage, they had played 170 Tests, winning 39 and losing 40.
The balance subsequently shifted in Pakistan’s favour as the team enjoyed a prolonged period with more victories than defeats.
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However, a string of disappointing results in recent years gradually eroded that advantage, with the Lord’s defeat finally pushing their losses ahead.
Pakistan endured another difficult Test against England after being bowled out for just 110 in their first innings. England then set the visitors a daunting target of 389 after taking control of the match.
Although Shakeel led a determined resistance in the final innings, his 97 was not enough to prevent England from completing another convincing victory.
The result followed England’s innings-and-103-run win in the opening Test at Headingley and secured them the series with one match still to play.
The two sides will now move to Edgbaston, where the third and final Test is scheduled to begin on September 9.