MULTAN: Zak Crawley’s unbeaten half-century kept England in contention after Pakistan were bowled out for mammoth 556 on second day of the first Test here at Multan Cricket Stadium.

At Stumps on Day 2, England were 96/1 with Crawley, unbeaten with a run-a-ball, 64 and Joe Root, 32 not out, at the crease. The touring side had a shaky start to their first innings as they lost their interim captain Ollie Pope for a two-ball duck.

But Crawley made an astounding recovery for England with a brisk knock while Root played cautiously until the end of the play. The duo will resume England’s first on the third day as the visitors trail by 460 runs. Returning Aamir Jamal claimed the solitary wicket for Pakistan on the second day.

Pakistan lost their two wickets in quick succession in the third session after piling up a mammoth 556-run total on the board.

Abrar Ahmed (3) was the last wicket to fall, falling prey to part-time bowler Joe Root. Prior to that, Shaheen Shah Afridi, who scored a crucial 26 runs, was bowled by Jack Leach. Salman Ali Agha remained unbeaten at 104 runs from 119 balls, which featured ten boundaries and three sixes.

Pakistan posted 515-8 on the board at Tea on Day 2, with Salman Ali Agha (79*) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (13*) at the crease. Pakistan lost the key wickets of Saud Shakeel, who scored a cautious 82 from 177 balls, laced with eight boundaries, and Aamir Jamal (7) but Salman’s strokeplay helped them score 118 runs in the second session.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 09 2024

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