England vs Pakistan series finale: 3rd Test result and series review

The England vs Pakistan 3rd Test result and series review looks back at England's eight-wicket victory at Edgbaston on September 12, which completed a 3-0 series sweep. England chased 130 after Pakistan's second-innings resistance and reached 130 for two in 24.2 overs, with Joe Root unbeaten on 62 and Jordan Cox unbeaten on 59.

The result capped a remarkable turnaround for an England side that entered the summer after a difficult run and then changed captain and coaching structures. For bettors, the series also provides a useful case study in how quickly Test-match markets can move when one side dominates the key phases.

Third Test result: England win by eight wickets

Pakistan were bowled out for 133 in the first innings, with Josh Tongue taking 4-42, Ollie Robinson 3-15 and Jofra Archer 3-25. England then made 453, gaining a huge 320-run first-innings lead.

Pakistan's second innings completely changed the mood. Shan Masood made 95, Babar Azam 76 and Azan Awais 59 before debutant Razaullah produced the innings of the match: 81 from 63 balls with nine sixes. He shared 121 for the ninth wicket with Mohammad Abbas, who made 42, lifting Pakistan to 449 and setting England 130.

That gave Pakistan a brief opening, but Mohammad Abbas dismissed Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay in the first over of the chase, leaving England 2 for 2. Root and Cox then settled the innings, adding an unbroken 128 to complete an eight-wicket win.

Key Tip: Check the latest cricket markets and odds on Sportsbet.io when comparing future Test opportunities.

Joe Root delivers on his return to captaincy

Root was central to the clean sweep. He scored 62 not out from 69 balls in the final chase and combined with Cox for an unbroken 128-run partnership.

His return to the captaincy came after Ben Stokes retired from Test cricket during the summer, adding another layer to the story. Root's calm approach was particularly valuable during the final-day wobble, when England lost both openers in the first over.

For you as a bettor, Root's influence is a reminder that experienced players can become especially important in pressure situations. Browse Test cricket fixtures on Sportsbet.io where similar experience gaps may matter.

Razaullah provides Pakistan with a rare positive

Pakistan's most encouraging individual story came from 21-year-old debutant Razaullah. He claimed four wickets in England's first innings and then attacked the second innings with a remarkable 81 from 63 balls, equalling Tim Southee's record for the most sixes hit in an innings on Test debut.

His 121-run stand with Abbas transformed a match that appeared likely to finish inside three days. Nine sixes made the innings particularly memorable and gave Pakistan the late momentum that briefly created uncertainty around England's chase.

The performance does not erase Pakistan's problems, but it gives the team a possible route forward. Razaullah's raw pace and fearless batting offer something different from the more conventional approach that struggled earlier in the series.

England's fast bowlers set the tone

The broader series story was England's seam attack. Robinson, Tongue and Archer dismantled Pakistan's top order in the first innings at Edgbaston, while England's wider pace group repeatedly found movement and disciplined lines throughout the series.

Robinson finished the third Test with five wickets in the match (3-15 and 2 more in the second innings), taking his series haul to 21 wickets at an average of 8.76, the best return of the series and enough to win him Player of the Series. His accuracy and height proved difficult for Pakistan's batters to manage, particularly under overcast English conditions.

That balance between control and pace gave England a clear advantage. It also reduced the pressure on Root's batting group, allowing the team to attack with the ball even when conditions became easier for batting.

What went wrong for Pakistan?

Pakistan's biggest issue was batting consistency. They were dismissed for 133 in the first innings at Edgbaston and had failed to reach 200 in their previous first innings during the series. Their top order repeatedly struggled against England's seamers and left the lower order with too much work.

The tourists also went through major off-field instability. Seven players were sent home after the second Test and the coaching staff was removed, while the third Test brought four changes to the XI. That level of disruption made continuity extremely difficult.

Babar Azam's 76 in the second innings and Razaullah's counterattack showed flashes of resilience, but the series never became a sustained contest.

The series in numbers

View the results below:

Betting lessons from the series

Here are a few lessons learnt from the series:

• Conditions can make a major difference England's seamers repeatedly exploited English conditions, so venue and weather should be part of any Test betting model. A strong batting side on paper can look very different when the ball moves.
• One-sided series can create poor prices England became increasingly short in match markets as the series progressed. That does not mean every England selection represented value. A dominant team can still be overpriced, particularly when the market has already adjusted.
• Lower-order resistance matters Pakistan's second innings in the third Test showed how quickly lower-order runs can change a match total and create opportunities in totals or in-play markets. A late partnership can alter the price of a chase dramatically.
• Live markets need discipline The final-day chase is a perfect example. England were briefly 2-2 and the market could have reacted sharply, but Root and Cox stabilised the innings. If you use live cricket betting on Sportsbet.io, make decisions from the actual game state rather than chasing emotional momentum.

If you're planning ahead to England's next series, you can browse upcoming Test fixtures or check the terms of the current welcome offer on the promotions page.

Responsible gambling

Cricket betting should remain entertainment, not a way to make money or recover losses. Set a budget before you bet, only use money you can afford to lose and do not increase your stake after a losing wager. If betting becomes difficult to control, take a break and seek support.

Sportsbet.io's own responsible gambling tools and account limits are outlined here. For independent help, visit GamCare or Gambling Therapy.

England vs Pakistan FAQs

Who won the third Test between England and Pakistan?

England won by eight wickets at Edgbaston on September 12, 2026.

What was the series result?

England completed a 3-0 series whitewash over Pakistan.

What target did England chase?

Pakistan set England a target of 130 after making 449 in their second innings.

Who top-scored in England's chase?

Joe Root scored 62 not out and Jordan Cox 59 not out.

Who was Pakistan's standout performer?

Debutant Razaullah scored 81 from 63 balls with nine sixes and also took four wickets in England's first innings.

What should you take from the series for future betting?

Consider conditions, bowling matchups, team stability, recent form and the current price rather than relying only on rankings or reputation.