Pakistan 328 for 4 (Masood 151, Shafique 102) vs England
Shan Masood’s maiden century as Pakistan’s Test captain set the stage for a dominant performance by the hosts in the opening match of their series against England. Abdullah Shafique, struggling for form, followed suit with his fifth Test hundred, frustrating an inexperienced England attack on a scorching day in Multan.
The pair put on a near-flawless double-century stand, guiding Pakistan to 261 for 1 by the evening session. England, however, managed to pull things back late in the day with Gus Atkinson breaking the partnership and Jack Leach dismissing Masood for a brilliant 151. The late wicket of Babar Azam gave England some relief after a tough day in the field.
Despite these breakthroughs, the day belonged to Pakistan. Without a home Test win since 2021 and having lost five consecutive matches, including a 2-0 defeat to Bangladesh, Masood’s team delivered a much-needed top-order resurgence. In benign conditions, England’s attack, led by the 35-year-old Chris Woakes and featuring debutant Brydon Carse, struggled to find their footing.
The bulk of the day was shaped by Pakistan’s second-wicket partnership of 253 runs. England had arrived expecting lively pitches and a vulnerable Pakistani batting line-up, but Masood’s aggressive innings, the second-fastest hundred by a Pakistan Test captain, and Shafique’s more patient approach left them without answers. After Saim Ayub fell cheaply in the fourth over, Masood and Shafique took control, negating England’s bowlers for over two sessions.
Masood’s innings, marked by a blend of caution and aggression, saw him overturn an lbw decision against Carse on 16 and edge just short of point when on 134. His fifty came off just 43 balls, and he reached his century from 102 deliveries, his first in four years. Shafique, who had been struggling with the bat, was more cautious but began to grow in confidence as the partnership progressed.
As temperatures soared into the high 30s Celsius, England captain Ollie Pope, standing in for the injured Ben Stokes, rotated his bowlers in search of a breakthrough. Shafique, meanwhile, survived a run-out scare and unleashed a flurry of boundaries before lunch, bringing up his half-century with a six and then reaching his hundred shortly after tea with another maximum.
Though Pakistan appeared in complete control, the heat began to take its toll on the batters, and England seized the opportunity to strike. Shafique was dismissed for 102 after a tired drive off Atkinson, and Masood soon followed, falling to Leach after misjudging a delivery. Saud Shakeel and Babar Azam steadied the ship with a 61-run stand, but Babar’s departure to Woakes, trapped lbw by the second new ball, gave England a morale boost as the shadows lengthened.
England’s initial success in removing Ayub might have raised their hopes, but Masood’s decision to bat first was vindicated as Pakistan seized control of the contest.