Day 1 Highlights
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first. The decision seemed to pay off as the openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, provided a solid start. Saim Ayub, making his debut, impressed with a composed innings, scoring 78 runs off 150 balls. Abdullah Shafique supported him well, contributing 45 runs before being dismissed by Brydon Carse, who was also making his Test debut for England1.
The middle order, led by captain Shan Masood, continued to build on the strong foundation. Masood played a captain’s knock, scoring 85 runs off 200 balls. Babar Azam, the star batsman, added 60 runs to the total before falling to a well-executed delivery by Chris Woakes1.
Scorecard Summary
- Pakistan 1st Innings: 328/4 in 86 overs
- Saim Ayub: 78 (150)
- Abdullah Shafique: 45 (120)
- Shan Masood ©: 85 (200)
- Babar Azam: 60 (130)
- Saud Shakeel: 30* (60)
- Mohammad Rizwan (WK): 20* (40)
- Brydon Carse: 1/60
- Chris Woakes: 1/70
- Jack Leach: 1/80
England’s Bowling Performance
England’s bowling attack, led by Chris Woakes and debutant Brydon Carse, faced a challenging day on the field. Woakes managed to take a crucial wicket, dismissing Babar Azam, while Carse claimed his first Test wicket by removing Abdullah Shafique. Jack Leach, returning to the Test side, also picked up a wicket, but the Pakistani batsmen largely dominated the day1.
Day 2 Expectations
As the match progresses into Day 2, Pakistan will aim to build on their strong start and post a formidable total. England, on the other hand, will look to make early inroads and restrict Pakistan’s lead. The pitch at Multan is expected to offer some assistance to the bowlers, especially as the match progresses, making the first session crucial for both teams2.
Key Players to Watch
- Pakistan: Shan Masood and Babar Azam will be key to Pakistan’s batting, while Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah are expected to lead the bowling attack.
- England: Ollie Pope, leading the side in Ben Stokes’ absence, will be crucial in guiding the team. Chris Woakes and Jack Leach will play pivotal roles with the ball.
The 1st Test between Pakistan and England has started on an exciting note, with both teams showing glimpses of their potential. As the match unfolds, cricket fans can expect a thrilling contest between bat and ball. Stay tuned for more updates and live coverage of the match.