Naseem Shah adds to Pakistan’s overnight position of strength as hosts end first session on a healthy 397/6.
Naseem Shah made his highest score in Test cricket as Pakistan built from strength to strength to go into lunch in a commanding position.
Pakistan lost two wickets in the first session in Multan, but they were still building up strong foundations. The host team was pursuing a first-innings score that could decide the match after Saud Shakeel scored his tenth fifty-plus wicket in thirteen Test matches and was undefeated at lunch. However, the main source of frustration for England was the unexpected presence of Naseem Shah.
Returning to his nightwatcher role, Naseem amassed his highest-ever score in any version of the game (33 off 81 balls) and sustainably thwarted England’s relentless attack for over ninety minutes. After Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique’s centuries established the tone on the first day, his heroics, which included smashing three sixes during a stand of 64 with Shakeel, guaranteed that there would be no easy way back into the game for the tourists.
With the ball, England finally broke through Naseem’s stubborn resistance with their first Test wicket, which came from Brydon Carse, and Jack Leach claimed his second of the innings.
After their labour on the first day, England had gained confidence when they took three wickets in the last session. Including Babar Azam with the second new ball. Play resumed with the ball only five overs old, with Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson attempting to assess Naseem and his off stump technique.
Naseem was defeated several times early on but held his composure. His first boundary came from a well-executed steer over the cordon. The pitch’s lack of pace caused it to bounce far short of second slip when he edged one from Atkinson.
Naseem was getting comfortable in his new role, and Shakeel was steadily approaching his half-century. England used spin at one end and short-ball strategies at the other. Atkinson gave Naseem a blow to the rear of his helmet. But instead of frightening the nightwatcher, it prompted him to charge in and take aim at Shoaib Bashir head-on. With a sweep in the same over, Shakeel reached fifty, his sixth half-century against England in four Test matches.
Encouraged, Naseem quickly surpassed his previous Test best of 18, then dumped Jack Leach twice over the ropes. The second being a spectacular inside-to-out shot over extra cover. By the time the stand reached fifty, Naseem was surpassing his senior partner in runs scored and eventually fell victim to Carse’s round-the-wicket attack, gloving into leg slip.