BIRMINGHAM: England defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the third Test at Edgbaston on Saturday to complete a 3-0 Test series sweep, extending their dominance over the visitors.

Chasing a modest target of 130 runs, England suffered an early setback when openers Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay were dismissed in the first over by Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas.

However, England captain Joe Root and Jordan Cox steadied the innings and guided the hosts to a comfortable victory.

Root got off the mark with a fortunate edge through the slips for four off Razaullah, but quickly settled into his innings and began scoring freely.

The England captain survived another scare when he chopped Mohammad Ali onto his stumps, only for the delivery to be called a no-ball, denying Pakistan a crucial wicket.

Root was handed another reprieve when he edged an Abbas delivery between first and second slip, but neither fielder reacted quickly enough to take the chance.

The experienced batter made Pakistan pay for their missed opportunities, completing his 69th Test half-century from 57 balls. He also reached the milestone of 1,000 Test runs at Edgbaston during his match-winning innings.

At the other end, Jordan Cox provided excellent support and continued his impressive form in the series.

Cox brought up his half-century three overs after Root, hitting Saim Ayub through deep midwicket for four. It was his third Test half-century of the series and of his young Test career.

England eventually reached the 130-run target in the 25th over, with Joe Root unbeaten on 62 and Jordan Cox not out on 59.

Cox sealed the victory by driving Mohammad Imran through the covers for a single, sparking celebrations among the home side.

Mohammad Abbas was Pakistan’s only successful bowler in England’s second-innings chase, finishing with figures of 2-44, while the other Pakistan bowlers failed to take a wicket.

The victory completed a 3-0 series win for England against Pakistan, underlining the hosts’ dominance throughout the Test series.

For Pakistan, the defeat capped a disappointing campaign, while England ended the series with another convincing performance on home soil.