Saud Shakeel narrowly missed a century, but Salman Agha’s vigorous 79-n-out pushed Pakistan to a strong 515 for eight by tea on the contest’s second day, Tuesday.
Pakistan lost Saud and Aamer Jamal in the second session, but Salman’s aggressive batting, including two sixes and 10 fours, drove the team beyond the 500 mark. Shaheen Afridi was at the crease with him, contributing 13.
England struggled for breakthroughs on Monday and faced similar challenges as play continued. Naseem Shah, crucial in Pakistan’s new-ball attack, also shone with the bat, hitting a personal best of 33, including three sixes, despite taking hits to his helmet and hand.
Naseem’s resistance, encapsulated in an 82-ball stint, concluded when he edged Brydon Carse to Harry Brook at leg slip, handing the debutant seamer his first Test wicket.
Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed quickly for a duck, caught by Chris Woakes at mid-off after misjudging a delivery from Jack Leach. After a promising 82, Saud fell short of his century, caught in the slip off Shoaib Bashir.
England has used two of its three reviews in this inning. Captain Ollie Pope’s record on reviews has worsened to 0-13.
Earlier, Saud was in line to become the third Pakistani to score a century in this opening Test as Pakistan reached 397 for six at lunch.
Naseem effectively played the nightwatchman role, scoring 33 and participating in a 64-run partnership with Saud, who was 67 at lunch.
Salman Agha had not yet scored at the other end in a batter-friendly environment at Multan Cricket Stadium.
