Multan: In what was a rare period of dominating cricket for the country long while, Pakistan’s Test cricket team produced a superb batting display on the opening day of the first Test against England in Multan. Pakistan, in desperate need of a performance that could act as a balm on the wounds inflicted by the series whitewash against Bangladesh, were lifted by a mesmerising performance by their top order.
Pakistani fans feared the worst after Saim Ayub’s dismissal in the fifth over but skipper Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique calmed those fears with a superb partnership. Both players batted positively to counter the English bowlers on a placid track and turn the game on its head with a stellar stand.
Masood leads from the front
Masood, under fire after a shock home loss against Bangladesh, led from the front with his first century as Pakistan skipper.
The win also ended a long wait for Masood who smashed his first ton since the 156-run knock against the same opponent in Manchester 2020. Masood’s ton was also the first hundred by a Pakistan captain since Babar Azam’s 161 runs against New Zealand in Karachi in December 2022.
Masood’s century (off 102 balls) was also the second fastest by a Pakistan captain in Tests behind Misbah’s 56-ball hundred against Australia in 2014.
Shan Masood’s century drought is over!
(via @TheRealPCB) #PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/W9m9UDS1OK
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 7, 2024
Pakistan dominate The Three Lions
England failed to take a wicket in the second session as Pakistan finished 233/1 in 52 overs at Tea. Masood (130*) and Shafique (92*) came through unscathed with their stand reaching 225 off 291 balls. While Masood has been the aggressor, Shafique has been the perfect foil at the other end. The English attack tried everything but both batters were resolute in dance and in a punishing mode while attacking the bowlers.
ENG vs PAK: Shan Masood’s ton was the first hundred by a Pakistan captain since Babar Azam’s 161 runs against New Zealand in Karachi in December 2022. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
