England on Monday (December 12) defeated Pakistan by 26 runs in the second Test in Multan to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Pakistan had a good chance of securing one of the first two spots in the WTC standings before the series but they have now slipped to No. 6 on the table and find themselves in dire trouble.

The Babar Azam-led side lost the opening Test by 74 runs on a lifeless Rawalpindi pitch. The Test match was heading towards a draw before England made a brave declaration in their second innings at 264/7, setting a target of 343 for the hosts, who were bowled out for 268 minutes before the close of play on Day 5.

The second Test in Multan was Pakistan's chance to bounce back in the series. Debutant Abrar Ahmed set up the match nicely for the home with a seven-wicket haul in the first innings, but Pakistani batters once again faltered under pressure.

Pakistan conceded a handy first-innings lead of 79 runs in Multan and they got bowled out for 328 while chasing the target of 355 in the fourth innings.

As a result of both losses, Pakistan are now occupying the sixth spot on the WTC points table with a PCT of just 42.42%. In order to remain in contention for a top-two spot, they will not only have to win the next Test but also beat New Zealand when they tour Pakistan next month and hope for other results to go in their favour.

As of now, Australia (75 percentage points) and South Africa (60 percentage points) are placed first and second in the WTC standings, respectively. Sri Lanka, with 64 percentage points, is third on the list whereas India (52.08 percentage points) and England (44.44 percentage points) are holding the fourth and fifth positions.

(With ICC inputs)