Cricket, especially Test cricket, is known for its drama, excitement, and unpredictability, and the recent encounter between Pakistan and England in Multan was no exception. The match unfolded over five gripping days, with several memorable performances and tense moments. Here’s a detailed account of how it all went down.
Day 1: Pakistan’s Strong Start
The match began with Pakistan opting to bat first on what looked like a decent batting wicket. The openers, Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood got Pakistan off to a solid start. After an early review saw Shan Masood survive, the pair built a strong partnership. Drinks were taken with Pakistan sitting comfortably at 56/1 in 13 overs, with both openers looking in fine touch.
Masood, in particular, played fluently, reaching his 50 off just 43 balls. The partnership grew, with both batsmen complementing each other well. By lunch, Pakistan was cruising at 122/1, with Shafique unbeaten on 53 and Masood looking dangerous at 61.
The duo brought up their 150-run partnership shortly after lunch. Masood’s classy knock reached a century, and Pakistan sat at 184/1 at drinks. England reviewed a decision against Masood, but the umpire’s call stood, and the partnership went from strength to strength.
As tea approached, Pakistan had raced to 233/1, with Shafique just shy of his century and Masood well set on 130. However, late in the day, England struck back, dismissing Shafique and Masood, and Pakistan ended the day at 328/4 after 86 overs. It was a decent recovery from England, but Pakistan still looked in control.
Day 2: Pakistan Build a Big Total
Day 2 saw Pakistan continue their innings, with Saud Shakeel and the lower order contributing valuable runs. Shakeel reached his half-century before the team was reduced to 397/6 by lunch. Pakistan’s tail wagged, with Agha Salman playing an important role. He reached his half-century and kept Pakistan’s score ticking over, eventually reaching his century as Pakistan crossed the 500-run mark.
England’s bowlers struggled to break partnerships, and Pakistan declared their innings at 556 all out, with Agha Salman unbeaten on 104. The pressure was now on England to respond.
Day 2: England’s Response Begins
England’s reply began cautiously, with opener Zak Crawley taking charge. By the end of Day 2, they had reached 96/1, with Crawley unbeaten on 64 and Root providing solid support.
Day 3: Root and Brook Dominate
Day 3 was dominated by England’s batting, with Joe Root and Harry Brook taking charge after Crawley’s departure. Root, in his usual composed style, reached his century, while Brook played more aggressively, hitting boundaries at will.
The duo’s partnership kept Pakistan’s bowlers at bay, and by tea, England had crossed 350/3. Brook brought up his century off just 118 balls, and Root continued to build his innings, reaching 150 later in the day.
Pakistan’s bowlers toiled, but Root and Brook’s partnership flourished. The pair added over 400 runs together, with Root reaching his double century and Brook continuing to attack. By the end of Day 3, England had posted a mammoth 492/3, putting them in the driving seat.
Day 4: Brook’s Record-Breaking Knock
Day 4 saw more of the same as Brook continued his march towards a record-breaking score. He became only the third Englishman to score a triple century in Test cricket, smashing 305 off just 310 balls in a sensational innings. England eventually declared their innings at 823/7, a truly dominant performance.
Pakistan’s bowlers looked exhausted, and the team’s chances of forcing a result seemed slim. With a huge deficit to makeup, Pakistan began their second innings cautiously.
Day 4 & 5: Pakistan’s Fightback
Pakistan’s second innings began shakily, losing an early wicket. At the end of Day 4, they were 152/6, with Agha Salman and Aamer Jamal trying to salvage some pride.
Day 5 saw Salman and Jamal show resilience. Salman reached his half-century, and Jamal followed suit, frustrating England’s bowlers. The seventh-wicket partnership blossomed, with both batsmen taking Pakistan past 200. However, the target proved too much, and despite their best efforts, Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 273, handing England a convincing victory by an innings and 127 runs.
Key Takeaways from the Match
•Zak Crawley’s class: Crawley set the tone for England’s innings with a fluent 64, providing a strong foundation at the top.
•Root and Brook’s partnership: The record-breaking 450-run stand between Joe Root and Harry Brook was the cornerstone of England’s massive total, with both batsmen showcasing their class and stamina.
•Agha Salman’s heroic effort: Salman fought valiantly, scoring a century in the first innings and 50 in the second, but his efforts were not enough to save Pakistan from defeat.
This Test match in Multan had everything—brilliant batting displays, gritty fightbacks, and individual brilliance. England’s victory was well deserved, but Pakistan showed glimpses of promise that will give them confidence moving forward in the series.
What’s Next?
The second Test promises more action, with Pakistan looking to bounce back and England aiming to continue their dominance. Can Pakistan regroup and level the series, or will England’s relentless approach lead to another victory?
