Pakistan steadied their innings on the opening day of the second Test at the Multan Cricket Stadium, reaching 259-5 after early setbacks against England.
Opener Saim Ayub’s solid knock of 77, along with debutant Kamran Ghulam’s impressive century (118), helped Pakistan recover from an initial collapse that saw them lose three key wickets for just 14 runs.
The day started with Pakistan winning the toss and electing to bat, looking to bounce back from their defeat in the first Test. However, England’s Jack Leach quickly turned the tide, dismissing Abdullah Shafique (7) and captain Shan Masood (3) within his first few overs. Leach bowled Abdullah with a sharp delivery that uprooted his off-stump, while Shan flicked a ball straight into the hands of Zak Crawley at short mid-wicket, leaving Pakistan reeling.
With Pakistan in trouble, Kamran Ghulam walked in for his Test debut and quickly dispelled any nerves by stepping out to Leach and launching him over his head for six. His partnership with Saim Ayub steadied the innings, with Saim contributing a patient 77 before being dismissed. Ghulam’s century was a standout performance, marking a strong debut at a critical juncture for Pakistan.
The fall of Saim brought wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan to the crease, who remained unbeaten at stumps on 37, alongside Salman Ali Agha, who is on 5. The pair will aim to push Pakistan toward a competitive total on Day 2.
England captain Ben Stokes, returning after missing the first Test due to a hamstring injury, opted for spin early after just five overs of seam. His decision paid dividends, with Leach making crucial breakthroughs that initially put Pakistan on the back foot.
Pakistan’s decision to drop Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah reflected their strategy to rebuild following their heavy loss in the first Test. England, meanwhile, fielded an unchanged side, bolstered by the return of Stokes.
