MULTAN:Pakistan’s first innings came to an end with a formidable total of 556 runs on the second day of the first test match against England at Multan Cricket Stadium.
In response, England scored 96/1 runs at the close of second day play, with Zak Crawley unbeaten on 64 and Joe Root on 32.
England’s innings started on a shaky note, losing their captain Ollie Pope for a duck. He fell to pacer Naseem Shah early in the chase, leaving the visitors at 0 for 1. However, Crawley and Root stabilized the innings with a solid partnership.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan resumed their innings at 328/4, with Saud Shakeel and nightwatchman Naseem Shah at the crease. The two built a steady partnership before Naseem was dismissed for a valiant 33, leaving Pakistan at 388/5. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan followed soon after, departing without scoring a single run.
Saud Shakeel played a key role for Pakistan, anchoring the middle order with a composed knock of 82 from 177 balls. His dismissal came at 450/7. A late flourish came from all-rounder Salman Ali Agha, who remained unbeaten on 104, guiding Pakistan to a formidable total. Contributions also came from Shaheen Shah Afridi, who chipped in with 26 runs, while tailender Abrar Ahmed added 3 runs before being the last man out.
On day 1, Pakistan had laid a strong foundation with centuries from Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique, who helped the team reach 328/4 by stumps.
As the match heads into day three, England faces an uphill task to match Pakistan’s massive first innings score.
