Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood lead Pakistan to strong start against England

Pakistan ended the opening day of the first Test against England at the Multan Cricket Stadium with a solid score of 328 for four. The highlight of the day was the remarkable performances by Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood, who both scored their fifth Test centuries.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan faced an early setback when left-handed opener Saim Ayub was dismissed for just four runs, caught behind off the bowling of Gus Atkinson. At that point, the scoreboard read a precarious 8 for 1.

Shan Masood joined Abdullah Shafique at the crease, and the duo ensured stability, preventing any further losses until the tea break. Resuming at 122 for one after lunch, the pair accelerated their scoring, with both batters reaching their centuries in style. Masood reached his fifth Test century, scoring 151 runs off 177 balls, which included 13 boundaries and two sixes. Meanwhile, Shafique marked his milestone with a six, contributing 102 runs from 184 balls, with 10 fours and two sixes. Their partnership of 253 runs for the second wicket is now the fourth highest in Pakistan's Test history.

However, the partnership was broken shortly after tea when Shafique was dismissed by Atkinson. Masood soon followed suit, falling victim to the England bowlers as Pakistan's batting lineup faced a brief collapse.

Despite the setbacks, Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel steadied the innings with a 61-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Babar was eventually adjudged leg-before-wicket, contributing a steady 30 runs off 71 balls before the close of play.

At stumps, Saud Shakeel remained unbeaten on 35 off 72 balls, while nightwatchman Naseem Shah was yet to score after facing three deliveries. The action will resume tomorrow at 10 AM as Pakistan looks to build on their solid foundation.

In terms of bowling, Gus Atkinson was the pick for England, taking two wickets for 70 runs. Chris Woakes and Jack Leach also claimed a wicket each, as the visitors aim to make a stronger comeback in the match.

Pakistan's Playing XI for first Test: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel (VC), Mohammad Rizwan (Wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmad.

England Playing XI for first Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (C), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse (Debut), Jack Leach, and Shoaib Bashir.