Multan: Opening batter Zak Crawley scored a sizzling half-century to lead a strong English reply against Pakistan in the opening Test of the three-match series at the Multan International Cricket Stadium. Crawley brought up his half-century of 55 balls as England finished Day 2 on 96 for 1 (20 overs) in reply to Pakistan’s strong total of 556. The tall opener, who missed the Sri Lanka Tests at home due to a fractured finger, made a stunning comeback to red-ball cricket.
England were dealt a massive blow as left-handed batter Ben Duckett couldn’t open the innings because of an injury to his thumb. Captain Ollie Pope came out to open with Crawley but was dismissed for a duck courtesy of a stunning catch by Aamer Jamal.
WATCH: AAMER JAMAL GRABS A STUNNER
Aamer Jamal, sensational! 👌
(via @TheRealPCB) #PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/6DPqUyBpxI
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 8, 2024
However, the early loss didn’t perturb Crawley as he stitched an unbeaten 92-run stand with Joe Root (32). Crawley remained unbeaten on 64 off 64 balls with the help of 11 fours. The right-handed opener continued his superb run in red-ball cricket with his 16th half-century in Tests.
His sizzling knock drew praises on social media.
Gees Zak Crawley is good. Name a better opener to watch in world #cricket. #PAKvENG
— Richard Edwards (@Richedwards0803) October 8, 2024
Zak Crawley when he plays Pakistan pic.twitter.com/g9ofzpoXb3
— What is Zak Crawley doing? (@ZakCrawleyFan) October 8, 2024
It’s worth remembering that Zak Crawley’s last proper hit was a Test Match in England back in July. Fast forward to October and his first knock in Pakistan and he looks absolutely class. 😮💨 #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/i1ov72w3GA
— Matt Watts (@MattWatts96) October 8, 2024
England make brisk start
England cut down almost 100 runs from Pakistan’s massive 556 total by reaching 96/1 at stumps on day two. Pakistan’s massive total was largely due to three centuries. After skipper Shan Masood and opening batter Abdullah Shafique plundered hundreds on Day 1, all-rounder Salman Ali Agha’s unbeaten 104 added more gloss to the innings with an unbeaten 104.
Starting the day on 328/4, Pakistan was spearheaded by Salman Ali and Saud Shakeel’s superb knock of 82.
England also took advantage of the placid track and scored at nearly five runs per over.
PAK vs ENG 1st Test: English opener Zak Crawley remained unbeaten on 64 off 64 balls with the help of 11 fours as England raced to 96 for 1 at Stumps on Day 2 in Multan. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
