Birmingham: England completed a commanding 3-0 Test series sweep over Pakistan with an eight-wicket victory in the third and final Test at Edgbaston on Saturday, further changing the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.

The result did not change England’s position in the nine-team WTC table, but their win percentage improved to 38.54%. Pakistan, meanwhile, remained at the bottom of the standings, with their win percentage dropping to 14.81% after the latest defeat.

England complete dominant series sweep

England entered the final Test looking to complete a clean sweep after winning the opening two matches convincingly.

Pakistan were bowled out for just 133 in their first innings at Edgbaston, but a remarkable fightback in the second innings gave the visitors hope. Debutant fast bowler Razaullah smashed 81 off 63 balls, including nine sixes, while also taking four wickets in England’s first innings.

Razaullah and Mohammad Abbas added 121 runs for the ninth wicket as Pakistan recovered strongly. Pakistan eventually set England a target of 130 runs.

England, however, overcame an early scare to complete the chase.

Pakistan suffer early blow in chase

England lost both openers, Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay, in the very first over while chasing 130.

Mohammad Abbas claimed both wickets, raising hopes of an unlikely Pakistan victory.

However, Joe Root and Jordan Cox ensured there was no further drama.

Root remained unbeaten on 62, while Cox scored an unbeaten 59. The pair took England across the finish line in the 25th over to seal an eight-wicket victory.

Root’s half-century was particularly significant as he continued his remarkable run in Test cricket. He also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most Test half-centuries during the match.

Pakistan remain at the bottom

The defeat was another setback for Pakistan in the current WTC cycle.

Pakistan were already placed ninth in the nine-team table before the Edgbaston Test. Following the defeat, their win percentage slipped further to 14.81%.

The three-match series was particularly damaging because Pakistan failed to win a single Test in England.

They lost the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs before suffering a 194-run defeat in the second Test at Lord’s. England then completed the clean sweep at Edgbaston.

Pakistan’s campaign has also been affected by changes within the squad and coaching setup. Seven players were sent home following the Lord’s defeat, while seven replacements were brought into the touring party.

Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant coach Umar Gul were also removed during the tour.

England climb in confidence

For England, the 3-0 result provides a major boost after a difficult period.

The team had recently suffered a series loss to New Zealand, while head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes had both departed their respective positions.

The emphatic victory over Pakistan has therefore given the side renewed confidence ahead of its next major Test assignments.

England will next face a tougher challenge when they take on South Africa in a Test series in December and January, before a home Ashes series against Australia next year.

WTC standings become crucial

With the WTC cycle progressing, every Test result becomes increasingly important for teams hoping to qualify for the final.

England’s latest victory has improved their percentage to 38.54, although they remain sixth in the standings.

Pakistan’s 14.81% leaves them in ninth place and facing a difficult road ahead.

The result also underlines the importance of winning away from home in the WTC, where teams are judged by their percentage of points won rather than simply the total number of points accumulated.

For Pakistan, the immediate priority will be rebuilding after a disastrous England tour. The emergence of Razaullah provides one encouraging sign, but the team will need significant improvement across batting, bowling, selection and consistency.

England, meanwhile, can take confidence from completing a clean sweep and will now turn their attention towards the more demanding challenges ahead.