Pakistan vs England | 2nd Test Day 1 | Highlights

Pakistan vs England, 2nd Test Day 1 Highlights: Kamran Ghulam's Ton Anchors Pakistan at 259-5

The second Test between Pakistan and England began on a competitive note at the Multan Cricket Stadium, with Pakistan closing Day 1 at 259-5 after 90 overs. The day was headlined by Kamran Ghulam’s gritty century, which held Pakistan's innings together, while England's bowlers chipped away with wickets to maintain pressure.

Pakistan Opts to Bat First After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Shan Masood opted to bat first on a dry Multan surface, hinting at a possible turn later in the match. However, the hosts didn’t get the best of starts, losing two quick wickets early on.

Slow Start: Abdullah and Shan Fall Early Pakistan's openers struggled to find fluency in the first hour. Abdullah Shafique, who has been in good form recently, fell to Jack Leach for just 7, bowled after a slow start. Skipper Shan Masood couldn’t fare much better, edging a delivery from Leach to Zak Crawley for 3, leaving Pakistan at 19-2 inside the first 10 overs.

Saim Ayub and Kamran Ghulam Rebuild Saim Ayub, making his mark in only his third Test match, combined with Kamran Ghulam to stabilize the innings. The pair focused on wearing down England’s bowlers in a slow but steady 149-run partnership. Saim was patient, scoring 77 off 160 balls, striking seven boundaries but no sixes. He fell just short of a century, caught by Ben Stokes off Matthew Potts right before tea.

Kamran Ghulam, at the other end, was the star of the day. Taking a calm approach, he accumulated his runs with sharp placement and strong technique. He faced 224 balls in his 118-run knock, striking 11 boundaries and one six, demonstrating a mix of resilience and aggression. His innings was crucial in helping Pakistan reach a competitive total, especially after the early setbacks.

Middle-Order Stumble Shortly after Saim’s dismissal, Pakistan lost another quick wicket when Saud Shakeel, playing an uncharacteristically sluggish innings, edged Brydon Carse to Jamie Smith for just 4. At 178-4, Pakistan seemed to be on the back foot, but Kamran Ghulam’s calm presence held things together.

Ghulam’s fine innings came to an end late in the day when he was bowled by young leg-spinner Shoaib Bashir, leaving Pakistan at 243-5.

Rizwan Holds the Fort Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan took charge in the final session of play, scoring an unbeaten 37 off 89 deliveries. He looked comfortable at the crease, defending resolutely while rotating the strike when needed. Agha Salman accompanied him at the other end, unbeaten on 5 as Pakistan ended the day at 259-5.

England's Bowling Efforts England’s bowlers produced a disciplined effort on Day 1, with Jack Leach leading the charge. Leach took 2 wickets, dismissing both openers in a lengthy spell of 28 overs for 92 runs. Matthew Potts was economical and effective with 1-36 from 17 overs, while Brydon Carse (1-14 in 11 overs) and debutant Shoaib Bashir (1-66 in 23 overs) also impressed. England captain Ben Stokes rotated his bowlers well but will be looking to wrap up Pakistan’s innings quickly on Day 2.

Day 1 Summary Pakistan’s score of 259-5 reflects a solid but slow batting effort, with Kamran Ghulam’s century the standout performance. England will be eager to make early inroads on Day 2, while Pakistan will aim to stretch their innings beyond 300 with Rizwan and the lower order still at the crease.

Scorecard Highlights:

• Kamran Ghulam: 118 (224 balls, 11 fours, 1 six)
• Saim Ayub: 77 (160 balls, 7 fours)
• Mohammad Rizwan: 37* (89 balls, 4 fours)
• Jack Leach: 2-92 (28 overs)
• Matthew Potts: 1-36 (17 overs)
• Brydon Carse: 1-14 (11 overs)

Fall of Wickets: 15-1 (Abdullah Shafique), 19-2 (Shan Masood), 168-3 (Saim Ayub), 178-4 (Saud Shakeel), 243-5 (Kamran Ghulam)