The second Test match between Pakistan and England got underway at the Multan Cricket Stadium, with Pakistan opting to bat first after winning the toss. The hosts were off to a shaky start, losing two early wickets, but Saim Ayub’s resilient fifty helped stabilize the innings.
Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique and skipper Shan Masood, fell cheaply to England’s bowling attack, reducing the score to 19/2. Jack Leach dismissed Shafique for 7, while Ollie Robinson sent Masood back for 3. However, Saim Ayub and Kamran Ghulam built a crucial partnership to revive the innings which helped Pakistan regain momentum. At lunch, Pakistan were 79/2, with Ayub and Ghulam batting steadily.
Jack Leach made history by becoming the first England spinner since Johnny Briggs in 1889 to take two wickets within the first ten overs of a Test match. Despite the early setbacks, Ghulam, alongside Saim Ayub, who scored a steady 77, formed a crucial partnership that stabilized the innings with a remarkable 149-run stand. Ghulam’s debut century was especially significant given the recent struggles of Babar Azam, providing a much-needed boost for the home side.
England captain Ben Stokes, back from injury, was instrumental with his attacking field placements.
Pakistan’s top order had been reshuffled following their innings defeat in the series opener, with star pacers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah also rested for this match. Ayub, playing his part with his third Test half-century, looked equally solid until he misjudged a shot off Matthew Potts just before the tea break. Ayub and Ghulam’s partnership, which lasted nearly 50 overs, was instrumental in laying a solid foundation for Pakistan after England’s early breakthroughs.
Kamran Ghulam shines on debut for Pakistan
Pakistan’s Kamran Ghulam made a stellar international debut, scoring a composed 118 off 224 balls in the second Test against England. Ghulam, renowned for his expertise against spin in Pakistan’s domestic circuit, seamlessly adapted to the international stage. His mature innings, laced with 11 fours and a six, showcased his true potential.
England showed a lot of confidence on their spinners, including part-timer Joe Root, in the post-lunch session, allowing Ghulam to settle and exploit the spin-friendly conditions. The pacers were relatively fresh, but England’s tactics with spin slowed down the run rate and eventually brought the reverse swing into play. Ghulam, undeterred by the pressure, played with precision and control, reaching his half-century comfortably and converting it into a memorable hundred.
The first day of the second Test match saw battle from both sides. Good cricket was played and Pakistan looked quite balanced after the forgettable loss in the first Test match. It will be interesting too see who gets an edge on day 2.