Pakistan edged out England by just 75 runs as a fascinating fourth day at Lord's resulted in the visitors bowling over the hosts to give them the opening victory of the series. 

The tourists tear through the top three

Pakistan added just one run to their overnight score as Stuart Broad saw off Yasir Shah and Mohammad Amir, leaving England with a record run chase of 283 to win. Yet the weather conditions were excellent and the hosts would have fancied their chances after their recent good form against Sri Lanka, despite the ball swinging and the threat of spinner Shah.

Though Rahat Ali was in no need to give England any sort of hope as he tore through England's top three for the loss of just 47 runs. Alastair Cook went for just eight, Alex Hales made 16 and Joe Root only nine as England lost a trio of key players to safe Pakistan hands in the field.

England's middle order provide a spell of resistance

The buck passed to the inexperienced James Vince and Gary Ballance who were both looking to cement their place in the England squad for the rest of the series. The pair fell just short of a half century partnership before Vince fell to Wahab Riaz for 42.

Jonny Bairstow joined Ballance at the crease with the duo creating further resistance, slowly edging towards the record breaking total. Yet the spin threat of Shah was still lurking and he took his first victim of the second innings knocking over Ballance's stumps for 43. Moeen Ali then fell in the same manner for just two as the pendulum swung back in the favour of the tourists.

Pakistan celebrate. | Image source: Cricinfo
Pakistan celebrate. | Image source: Cricinfo

Shah and Amir complete the job

England were in desperate need of another partnership when bowling hero Chris Woakes came to the crease at 139-6. Woakes and Bairstow understandably played defensive, picking off singles whenever they could, slowly working their way to 56. After almost three and a half hours at the wicket for his 48, Bairstow had a momentary lapse in concentration as that man Shah bowled him out at a crucial time for Pakistan.

That wicket was the beginning of the end for England as Pakistan ticket off the final three wickets for just 12 runs, with the controversial Mohammad Amir picking up the final wicket as Pakistan edged a 75 run victory. 

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