Multan: In a captivating day of Test cricket, the debutant Kamran Ghulam significantly uplifted the spirits of the Pakistani team on the opening day of the second Test against England in Multan.
On a day characterized by limited runs, Pakistan concluded the first day with a score of 259/5, with Agha Salman and Mohammad Rizwan remaining unbeaten with scores of 5 and 37, respectively.
Facing a pitch that had been played out, with a lineup that favored spin, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat. On a surface that was both slow and turning, England's skipper Ben Stokes made the strategic decision to introduce spinners after five overs.
England's veteran spinner Jack Leach successfully dismissed the two leading batsmen of the opening Test, Abdullah Shafique (7) and the captain, Shan Masood, with economical dismissals.
Leach achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first England spinner to dismiss a batsman in a Test match with such a low score since Johnny Briggs in 1889.
As Pakistan teetered on the brink of collapse, with the shadows of previous performances looming, Kamran Ghulam and Saim Ayub managed to revive the match for Pakistan.
The duo adopted a cautious strategy, facing each delivery with patience and ensuring that Pakistan maintained a steady score. Kamran Ghulam's determination, coupled with Saim Ayub's impressive score of 77, laid the foundation for a formidable partnership.
Matthew Potts eventually found the breakthrough with a well-placed shot after a series of outswingers from England's bowlers.
England's accurate bowling kept Pakistan's batting line in check. Following tea, Brydon Carse struck vice-captain Saud Shakeel with a 140kph bouncer for a score of 4.
The visitors had the chance to strengthen their position further if Ben Duckett had successfully retained a loose ball from Kamran Ghulam at 79.
In the closing session, equipped with a new ball, England spinner Shoaib Bashir eventually bowled Kamran Ghulam out for 118 (224) in his debut Test innings. Rizwan and Salman ensured that Pakistan did not concede a single wicket before the stumps were called.
Final Score: Pakistan 259/5 (Kamran Ghulam 118, Saim Ayub 77; Jack Leach 2-92) vs England.
