Multan, Oct 7 (UNI) Pakistan enjoyed a commanding start in the first Test against England at the Multan Cricket Stadium, reaching 328 for four at stumps on day one, thanks to superb centuries from Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood.
After opting to bat first, Pakistan's openers faced early trouble as Saim Ayub was dismissed for just four runs, caught behind after 3.4 overs. With the score at 8-1, Shan Masood joined Abdullah at the crease and the duo formed a resilient partnership, preventing any further loss of wickets until the tea break.
The pair took charge in the afternoon session, with both batsmen reaching their fifth Test centuries. Shan was the first to reach the milestone, hitting 10 boundaries and two sixes to complete his hundred off 102 balls. Abdullah followed, bringing up his century with a six, his 100 coming from 165 balls with 10 fours and two sixes.
Their impressive partnership of 253 for the second wicket, the fourth-highest in Pakistan’s Test history, was eventually broken when Gus Atkinson dismissed Abdullah for 102 off 184 balls.
Shan, who had taken on the captaincy in December 2023, went on to score a brilliant 151 from 177 balls, laced with 13 boundaries and two sixes. His innings came to an end shortly after Abdullah’s, leaving Pakistan at 282 for three.
Babar Azam, together with Saud Shakeel, added a valuable 61 runs for the fourth wicket before Babar was trapped leg-before-wicket for 30 just before the close of play. Saud Shakeel remained unbeaten on 35 (72b, 5x4s), while nightwatchman Naseem Shah survived three deliveries without scoring.
For England, Atkinson was the standout bowler, claiming two wickets for 70 runs. Chris Woakes and Jack Leach each took one wicket, but the visitors were largely frustrated by the strong showing from Pakistan’s batsmen.
Pakistan will resume their innings tomorrow with Saud and Naseem at the crease, looking to build on their solid platform and set a formidable total.
Scores in brief:
Day 1: Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first; Pakistan 328-4, 86 overs (Shan Masood 151, Abdullah Shafique 102, Saud Shakeel 35 not out, Babar Azam 30; Gus Atkinson 2-70).
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