The second day of the first Test between Pakistan and England concluded with England at 96 for 1, trailing by 460 runs after Pakistan posted a formidable total of 556 in their first innings at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Right-arm pacer Naseem Shah made an early breakthrough, dismissing England captain Ollie Pope in his first over. However, Zak Crawley and Joe Root steadied the innings, putting on a partnership that saw Crawley score an aggressive 64 runs off 64 balls. Root remained at the crease, contributing 32 runs off 54 balls as England finished the day with only one wicket lost.
Pakistan’s innings was anchored by Salman Ali Agha, who scored an impressive 104 runs off 119 balls, and Saud Shakeel, who contributed 82 runs. The Men in Green’s innings concluded after 149 overs, with Abrar Ahmed dismissed for 3 runs.
The day began with Pakistan at 328 for 4, with Shakeel and Naseem Shah batting. Shah managed to score 33 runs before being dismissed, while Shakeel’s resolute innings ended when he edged a delivery from Brydon Carse to Harry Brook at leg slip.
Pakistan’s batting saw a mix of resilience and aggression, with Agha hitting 10 fours and three sixes on his way to a century. The bowling effort for England was led by Jack Leach, who took three wickets, while Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse each claimed two.
The ongoing match is the first in a three-match series, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. England is led by Ollie Pope, filling in for Ben Stokes, who is sidelined due to injury. The last time England toured Pakistan for a red-ball series, they achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory in 2022.
Playing XI
- Pakistan: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed
- England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir
