On the second day of the much-anticipated Pakistan-England Test series in Multan, Pakistan displayed a commendable batting performance, advancing their innings to a strong position. At the close of play, Pakistan had scored 355 runs for the loss of 4 wickets, with middle-order batsman Saud Shakeel and night watchman Naseem Shah standing firm at the crease, adding 47 and 13 runs respectively to the total. The day’s play built on the foundation laid by brilliant centuries from Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafiq on the first day.
Day One: A Dominant Start for Pakistan
Pakistan, having won the toss, elected to bat first on what appeared to be a flat and batsman-friendly surface. However, their start wasn’t ideal, as opening batsman Saeem Ayub departed early, managing to score just 4 runs before being dismissed with the team’s total at 8. This early wicket might have rattled Pakistan, but Abdullah Shafiq and Shan Masood showcased remarkable composure to steady the ship.
The duo put together a brilliant partnership that took Pakistan from a precarious 8-1 to a commanding 261-2. Both batsmen were in sublime form, finding gaps in the field with ease and dispatching the bad deliveries for boundaries. Abdullah Shafiq was the first to reach his century, playing confidently against England’s bowlers. His 102-run knock was laced with well-timed strokes, including the six that brought up his century. Shafiq’s solid innings set the tone for Pakistan, giving them the upper hand early on.
Shan Masood, on the other hand, was even more impressive. He played with flair and aggression, scoring 151 off 177 balls. His innings included 13 boundaries and 2 towering sixes, demonstrating his ability to handle both pace and spin with equal expertise. Masood’s captaincy debut in this series has clearly brought out the best in him, as he led by example with his superb century. His partnership with Abdullah Shafiq for the second wicket was not only vital for Pakistan’s innings but also demoralized the English bowling attack.
Abdullah and Shan’s Partnership: A Turning Point
The 253-run partnership between Abdullah Shafiq and Shan Masood was the highlight of Pakistan’s innings. This massive stand helped Pakistan recover from the early loss of Saeem Ayub and propelled them into a dominant position. Both players showcased great temperament, mixing caution with aggression, and capitalized on the loose deliveries offered by England’s bowlers.
Abdullah Shafiq was eventually dismissed for 102, bringing an end to his stellar innings. His wicket was a much-needed breakthrough for England, but Shan Masood continued to anchor the innings. However, Masood couldn’t carry on for long after Shafiq’s dismissal, and he was the third wicket to fall, departing for a well-constructed 151 runs.
Pakistan’s Middle Order Performance
After the departure of both centurions, the onus fell on the middle order to continue the momentum. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s star batsman Babar Azam couldn’t make a significant contribution, being trapped lbw for 30 runs. Babar’s wicket left Pakistan at 328-4, giving England a glimmer of hope to claw their way back into the game.
However, Saud Shakeel and night watchman Naseem Shah held their ground, advancing the total to 355 by the end of the second day. While Saud Shakeel played cautiously, accumulating 47 valuable runs, Naseem Shah’s 13 runs further stabilized the innings. Their resilience will be key as Pakistan looks to build on their solid start on the third day.
Captain Shan Masood’s Strategy
Speaking at the toss, Shan Masood had expressed his intention to post a big total in the first innings, stating that the team was determined to get back on track and win the series. Masood’s tactical approach to play two spinners and three fast bowlers reflects the team’s desire to have a balanced attack, especially on the slow, turning pitches expected in Multan.
While Pakistan’s focus is on piling up runs in the first innings, Masood is also aware that his team needs to be sharp with the ball. England has a strong batting lineup, and Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed, will have to bring their best to contain them.
England’s Bowling Struggles
England’s captain Oli Pope, on the other hand, had hoped to make early inroads, given the moisture in the pitch early on. However, their bowling attack, despite a promising start, was unable to contain the onslaught from Abdullah Shafiq and Shan Masood. England’s bowlers toiled hard in the Multan heat but failed to take control of the match. They will need a much-improved effort in the remaining days to put pressure on Pakistan.
Looking Ahead: The Third Day
As the match progresses into its third day, Pakistan is in a commanding position with 355 runs on the board and 6 wickets still in hand. The partnership between Saud Shakeel and Naseem Shah will be crucial in setting a target that can put England under pressure. Pakistan will look to extend their innings beyond 450 runs, giving their bowlers a solid platform to attack England’s batting lineup.
For England, it’s a matter of breaking this partnership early and containing Pakistan to a manageable total. They’ll need their key batsmen like Joe Root, Ben Duckett, and Harry Brook to step up when their turn comes to bat.
This Test match in Multan has already provided plenty of excitement, with Pakistan’s batsmen dominating the proceedings. The third day promises more drama as both teams battle for supremacy in this crucial Test series.
