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Headingley horror! Pakistan create unwanted Test record in crushing England defeat | Cricket News

Sandy Verma | August 22, 2026 10:24 AM CST

Pakistan have created an unwanted piece of Test history after losing their opening wicket for a score of zero in both innings of the Headingley Test against England.The first instance came in Pakistan’s opening innings when Azan Awais was trapped lbw by Ollie Robinson with the very first delivery he faced. Pakistan had not added a run to the scoreboard.The same pattern was repeated in the second innings on Friday. Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed for five-ball duck in the second over, leaving Pakistan 0/1 once again.While losing an opening wicket without a run on the board is not unusual in Test cricket, doing so in both innings of the same match is a far rarer occurrence. The Headingley collapse marked the seventh time Pakistan have suffered this fate in a Test, making them the first team in the history of the format to do so seven times.

Pakistan have played 472 Tests, meaning the unwanted record has occurred roughly once every 68 matches. England are second on the list with five such instances in 1,098 Tests, or approximately once every 220 matches.The latest occurrence came during a disastrous Test for Pakistan, who were beaten by England by an innings and 103 runs inside three days. After England posted 409, Pakistan were bowled out for just 135 in their second innings, handing Joe Root a winning start in his return as Test captain.England’s fast bowlers dominated throughout the match. Robinson and Josh Tongue claimed eight wickets apiece, with Robinson taking 8/80 and earning Player of the Match honours. Tongue finished with 8/89.Pakistan had started the Test with some confidence after drawing their series in the West Indies, but their batting struggled against England’s disciplined seam attack. Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 41 in the second innings, but Pakistan failed to build partnerships as they collapsed before tea on day three.The result gave England a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the second Test scheduled to begin at Lord’s on Thursday.