Pakistan resumed play at Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, day two, boosted by debutant Kamran Ghulam’s century against England in the second Test. Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha began the day with scores of 37 and five, respectively.
Ghulam’s impressive debut century it propelled Pakistan to 259-5 by the end of the first day. Replacing Babar Azam, the 29-year-old countered England’s aggressive bowling and fielding to score 118.
Early challenges surfaced after Pakistan won the toss and struggled at 19-2. Jack Leach of England took two quick wickets. Ghulam then added 149 runs with Saim Ayub and 65 with Rizwan, stabilizing the innings. Ayub scored a career-high 77.
Ghulam reached his century off Joe Root, taking 280 minutes to become the 12th Pakistani to score a century on debut. His innings ended 30 minutes before stumps, and Shoaib Bashir bowled him after a resilient 323-minute stint, which included 11 fours and a six.
Ghulam expressed his delight at scoring a century, especially as a replacement for Babar Azam. He recounted a close call at 79, grateful for Ben Duckett’s missed catch off Leach.
Post-lunch, England adjusted their field, but the Multan pitch, which was used in the first test, offered little aid to spinners.
Captain Ben Stokes and Matthew Potts were notable for England. Stokes, back from injury, bowled five overs, showing no signs of a hamstring issue. Potts and Brydon Carse managed a wicket each, alongside Leach, Bashir, and Carse, who collectively claimed the day’s wickets.
Early on, Leach dismissed Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood, setting a challenging tone for Pakistan. England leads the three-match series 1-0.
