Pakistan Takes Control of the First Test Against England: Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique Shine

Fahad Bin Khalid
October 8, 2024
6:34 am
13

The much-anticipated Pakistan-England Test series began in Multan. As the Pakistani audience hoped for, Pakistan took control of the first day. New Test captain Shan Masood led by example, scoring a brilliant 151. Abdullah Shafique broke his poor form by scoring a crucial century. This boosted Pakistan's chances against an inexperienced England team.

Pakistan Domains under Masood and Shafique's Combination

From the start, it was clear Pakistan had control of the match. Their batting attack dominated. Shan Masood, known for his aggressive style, reached his hundred in just 102 balls. His strong shots overwhelmed the English bowlers, giving Pakistan a great start. It was his first Test hundred as captain and the second-fastest in Test cricket. His partnership with Shafique, who also came into the game to score his much-needed hundred, was the highlight of the day.

Their stand of 253 runs for the second wicket firmly placed Pakistan in the driver's seat. The English bowlers, led by Chris Woakes and newcomer Brydon Carse, struggled against Pakistan's batters. Masood and Shafique's strong partnership left England with little hope of a quick comeback. In the first two sessions, they only managed to take one wicket.

England's bowling problems and flashes of determination

England's inexperienced bowling attack was battling an uphill under the hot weather of Multan. Woakes led the attack but had little success early on. Carse, making his Test debut, showed good pace but struggled with the conditions. England's spinners, including Jack Leach, made little impact throughout the day. It was clear their strategy needed adjustments to challenge Pakistan's determined batting lineup.

In the last over of the day, England took the lead again. Gus Atkinson and Jack Leach helped out. Masood was out for 151, and Shafique scored his first century but was dismissed for 102. The other saving grace for England was the early dismissal of Babar Azam, who departed for just an ordinary score.

Can England Flip the Script Now?

Though England took a few late wickets, Pakistan's control for most of the day was clear. Their dominance was undeniable. Masood called for a bowl first on a track that seemed to offer some movement, which was the right call. Even though England expected some help from the pitch, their bowlers got very little after taking out Saim Ayub early in the innings.

England's struggles in Multan weren't only with bowling; their reviews were also poor. Captain Ollie Pope failed to overturn the lbw decision against Shafique. Despite some early success, England faced a tough challenge breaking into Pakistan's middle order on Day 2.

Conclusion

By the end of the day's play, Pakistan had firmly taken control of the Test match thanks to hundreds from Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique. This came at a crucial stage as Pakistan looked to put an end to a five-match losing streak in home Tests. Even though the English bowlers fought back strongly at the end of the day, Pakistan will feel comfortable heading into the second day. They have built a solid foundation.

Two teams' supporters will be anxiously watching how the match goes on. We are eager to see if Pakistan will continue to score runs and secure a win or if the England bowlers will make a comeback. One thing is certain: the Test series between Pakistan and England is already shaping up to be exciting and dramatic.

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