England Take 238-Run Lead as Pakistan Suffer Early Double Blow

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Pakistan batsmen face England bowling attack during Leeds Test

England Build 238-Run Lead as Pakistan Lose Early Wickets at Leeds

The Pakistan Times — August 18, 2026

Pakistan found themselves in trouble again in the second innings of the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, after England secured a 238-run first-innings lead.

Pakistan lost both opening batsmen early in their second innings, leaving the visitors with another difficult challenge as they attempted to reduce England’s advantage.

Imam-ul-Haq Falls in First Over

Pakistan’s second innings got off to a disappointing start when Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed in the opening over.

Imam was caught behind off the fifth delivery of the over, giving England an early breakthrough and putting immediate pressure on Pakistan’s batting lineup.

The dismissal followed another difficult outing for Imam, who had also been dismissed for a duck in Pakistan’s first innings.

Azeem Owais Also Dismissed

Azeem Owais, who failed to score in Pakistan’s first innings, managed nine runs in the second.

His stay at the crease ended when he was caught at leg slip off Jofra Archer, leaving Pakistan without both opening batsmen early in the innings.

The early dismissals once again exposed Pakistan’s middle order to pressure from the English bowling attack.

England Take 238-Run Lead

Earlier, England were bowled out for 409 runs in their first innings during the opening session of the third day.

The total gave England a substantial 238-run lead over Pakistan and put the hosts in a strong position in the Test.

England’s advantage means Pakistan now face the difficult task of batting through the remainder of the match while trying to stay in contention.

Pakistan Under Pressure

The early loss of both openers has made Pakistan’s task even harder.

After struggling in the first innings, Pakistan’s batting unit needs a significant recovery to prevent England from gaining complete control of the match.

The pressure will now be on Pakistan’s remaining batsmen to build partnerships and reduce the deficit before England can push for a decisive result.

What Comes Next?

Pakistan will need a strong batting performance to overcome England’s 238-run advantage and give themselves a realistic chance of avoiding defeat.

England, meanwhile, will look to maintain pressure with the ball and make further breakthroughs as Pakistan attempt to rebuild their innings.

The Test remains finely poised in terms of the final result, but England currently hold the advantage after their strong first innings and Pakistan’s early second-innings setbacks.

Summary

England secured a 238-run first-innings lead after being dismissed for 409 at Leeds. Pakistan then lost both opening batsmen early in their second innings, with Imam-ul-Haq dismissed in the first over and Azeem Owais falling for nine.

Pakistan now face a major challenge to recover from the early setbacks and stay in the contest.

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