Multan: Pakistan began the second session of Day 1 with confidence, hitting two boundaries within the first five overs. Saim Ayub and Kamran Ghulam, both young batsmen, looked composed as they executed a clear game plan. In the 35th over, Saim Ayub reached his fourth Test half-century, marking his first fifty against England. Shortly after, debutant Kamran Ghulam celebrated his maiden Test fifty. The promising duo showcased an aggressive partnership that kept the pressure on England. In response, England captain Ben Stokes introduced himself and Matthew Potts into the attack. The pair bowled with precision, frequently finding the edges of the batsmen’s blades. However, the ball repeatedly landed in empty spaces, frustrating the English bowlers who struggled to make a breakthrough.England finally struck at the end of the 56th over when Saim Ayub was caught by Stokes off Potts for 77. At tea, Pakistan stood strong at 173/3, with Kamran Ghulam unbeaten on 75 and Saud Shakeel at 4.
Kamran Ghulam Scores Maiden Century on Debut in Final Session
After tea, Pakistan lost Saud Shakeel early in the final session, bowled by Brydon Carse. Mohammad Rizwan then partnered with Kamran Ghulam, but the pair struggled initially against the pace of Carse and Potts. England tied down the Pakistani batsmen, but Kamran Ghulam remained resilient and brought up his maiden Test century on debut. His impressive innings ended soon after, with Pakistan at 243/5. Rizwan, after navigating a difficult spell of fast bowling, began to find his rhythm and score more freely. He and Kamran had added 65 valuable runs before Ghulam’s dismissal. Agha Salman, Pakistan’s in-form batsman, then walked in. At stumps on Day 1, Pakistan reached 259/5 in 90 overs, with Rizwan and Salman unbeaten at the crease. With Day 2 ahead, Pakistan will aim to build on their strong start and put further pressure on England.
Report By: Abdul Hanan