England crushes Pakistan by innings and 47 runs in opening Test

Jack Leach was the standout bowler, taking four wickets

PHOTO: PCB

England secured a commanding victory over Pakistan by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test of the three-match series at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday. This win gives England a 1-0 lead in the series, with the second Test set to commence at the same venue on October 15.

Starting their second innings at an overnight score of 152 for six, Pakistan was bowled out for 220 runs in 54.5 overs. The hosts were hindered by the absence of Abrar Ahmed, who could not bat due to illness. Salman Ali Agha emerged as the top scorer for Pakistan in the second innings, contributing 63 runs off 84 balls, including seven boundaries. He formed a solid partnership of 109 runs for the seventh wicket with Aamir Jamal, who remained unbeaten on 55 runs from 104 deliveries.

For England, left-arm spinner Jack Leach was the standout bowler, taking four wickets, including those of Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi (10 runs), and Naseem Shah (6 runs). Brydon Carse and Gus Atkinson also played vital roles, each claiming two wickets.

Brief Scores:

England: 823-7 declared in 150 overs
(Harry Brook 317, Joe Root 262, Ben Duckett 84, Zak Crawley 78)
Saim Ayub 2-101, Naseem Shah 2-157

Pakistan:
First Innings: 556 all out in 149 overs
(Shan Masood 151, Salman Ali Agha 104*, Abdullah Shafique 102, Saud Shakeel 82, Naseem Shah 33, Babar Azam 30, Shaheen Shah Afridi 26)
Jack Leach 3-160, Brydon Carse 2-74, Gus Atkinson 2-99

Second Innings: 220 all out in 54.5 overs
(Salman Ali Agha 63, Aamir Jamal 55*, Saud Shakeel 29, Saim Ayub 25)
Jack Leach 4-30, Gus Atkinson 2-46, Brydon Carse 2-66

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.