Pakistan's Resilience Stifles England's Attack in Multan

At lunch in Multan, Pakistan stood strong at 397 for 6, with Saud Shakeel unbeaten on 67 and Agha Salman yet to get off the mark. Despite losing two wickets in the morning session, Pakistan continued to build on the firm foundation laid by centuries from Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique on day one. Saud Shakeel's determined half-century, his tenth in 13 Tests, kept the hosts on course for a substantial first-innings total. However, it was Naseem Shah, the nightwatchman, who unexpectedly frustrated England's bowlers.

Naseem, typically known for his bowling, played his longest and most productive innings in any format, scoring 33 from 81 deliveries. He defied England's relentless efforts for over 90 minutes, adding 64 crucial runs alongside Shakeel. His innings featured three impressive sixes, preventing England from making early inroads. Pakistan's resistance kept England at bay after the centuries by Masood and Shafique had set a solid tone on the first day.

England did find some breakthroughs, with Brydon Carse claiming his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Naseem, and Jack Leach grabbing his second scalp of the innings. Despite adding 69 runs in the session, Pakistan's progress was slightly halted when Mohammad Rizwan was caught at mid-off off Leach just before the interval, leaving without scoring.

England had hoped to build on their late success from the previous day, where they took three key wickets, including Babar Azam, with the second new ball. Resuming play with the ball just five overs old, Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson tested Naseem’s technique, especially around off stump. Although Naseem was beaten on a few occasions, he remained composed and even managed his first boundary with a delicate shot past the slips. When an edge off Atkinson’s delivery fell short of the slip cordon, it was clear that the pitch’s lack of pace was playing into the hands of the batters.

Shakeel, steadily moving towards his half-century, and Naseem, adapting to his unfamiliar role, forced England to mix their tactics. England tried short-pitched deliveries from one end while using spin from the other. Atkinson struck Naseem on the helmet, but rather than retreating, the nightwatchman grew bolder, smashing Shoaib Bashir for a six over long-on. Shakeel soon brought up his fifty with a sweep, his fifth half-century against England in just four Tests.

Naseem, growing in confidence, surpassed his previous Test best of 18 and hit two more sixes off Leach, including an impressive inside-out shot over extra cover. The partnership crossed 50, with Naseem even outscoring Shakeel before he eventually edged a delivery from Carse to leg slip, bringing an end to his gritty innings.