Salman Ali Agha’s century puts Pakistan in control against England

Salman Ali Agha's outstanding third Test century has propelled Pakistan into a commanding position against England, who find themselves trailing by 460 runs with nine wickets remaining at the close of the second day of the first Test match at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

Resuming their first innings at an overnight score of 328 for four, Pakistan finished with a formidable total of 556 all out in 149 overs. Agha, batting at number eight, was the standout performer with an unbeaten 104 runs off 119 balls, featuring 10 fours and three sixes. His mature innings was pivotal in establishing a hefty lead.

The day began with Saud Shakeel (35) and night-watchman Naseem Shah (0) adding 64 runs for the fifth wicket before Naseem was dismissed. Mohammad Rizwan’s dismissal shortly thereafter left Pakistan at 393 for six. Agha then joined Shakeel, and the duo added 57 runs for the seventh wicket. Shakeel scored a resilient 82 off 177 balls before falling to Shoaib Bashir.

Agha continued to build partnerships, notably a vital 85-run stand for the ninth wicket with Shaheen Shah Afridi, who contributed 26 runs. Pakistan's innings was ultimately brought to a close by England’s bowlers, with left-arm spinner Jack Leach taking three wickets but conceding 160 runs. Debutant Brydon Carse and pacer Gus Atkinson each claimed two wickets.

In response, England's innings began poorly as they lost captain Ollie Pope for a duck, caught brilliantly by Aamir Jamal off the bowling of Naseem Shah. However, Zak Crawley (64 not out off 64 balls) and Joe Root (32 not out off 54 balls) stabilized the innings, forming an unbroken partnership of 92 runs for the second wicket. At stumps, England stood at 96 for one after 20 overs.

As the teams prepare for the third day, all eyes will be on Crawley and Root to continue building England’s innings and mount a response to Pakistan’s substantial lead.

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.