Pakistan ended the opening day of the first Test against England at the Multan Cricket Stadium on a strong note, scoring 328 for four at stumps. The highlight of the day was the fifth Test centuries scored by both Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique, contributing significantly to the team’s total.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan faced an early setback when left-handed opener Saim Ayub was dismissed for just four runs, caught behind in the 4th over. However, Shan joined Abdullah at the crease, and the duo steadied the innings, ensuring no further wickets fell before the tea break.
Resuming the innings at 122 for one, both Shan and Abdullah pushed on to achieve their centuries. Shan reached his fifth Test century, scoring 151 runs off 177 balls, including 13 fours and 2 sixes. Abdullah Shafique followed suit, bringing up his 10th first-class century with a six, finishing the day at 102 runs off 184 balls with 10 fours and 2 sixes. Their partnership of 253 runs for the second wicket is now the fourth highest second-wicket partnership in Pakistan’s Test history.
The partnership was broken shortly after tea when Abdullah fell to Gus Atkinson for 102 runs. Shan soon followed him back to the pavilion, leaving Pakistan at 278 for three. Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel then added a steady 61-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Babar was dismissed just before the close of play for 30 runs off 71 balls, leaving Saud unbeaten on 35 off 72 balls as the nightwatchman Naseem Shah remained at the crease with no runs scored from three balls.
For England, right-arm fast bowler Gus Atkinson was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2 wickets for 70 runs, while Chris Woakes and Jack Leach took a wicket each.
Scores in Brief:
Day 1 of 5; Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first at the Multan Cricket Stadium
- Pakistan: 328-4 in 86 overs
(Shan Masood 151, Abdullah Shafique 102, Saud Shakeel 35 not out, Babar Azam 30; Gus Atkinson 2-70)*
The second day will resume with Saud Shakeel and Naseem Shah at the crease, looking to build on the solid foundation laid by their teammates.
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