The first Test between Pakistan vs. England has provided cricket fans with an exciting contest so far. As Day 2 concluded, Pakistan found themselves in a commanding position with a huge first-innings total, while England began their response with confidence but still face an uphill battle. Let’s break down the action from this enthralling day of Test cricket.
Table of Contents
Pakistan’s Mammoth First Innings Total (556/10)
Pakistan’s first innings saw an outstanding team effort as they posted a formidable score of 556 runs. Their batting lineup clicked perfectly, with top contributions coming from the opening and middle order. Here’s how their key batsmen fared:
- Abdullah Shafique laid a solid foundation with a gritty century, scoring 102 runs off 184 balls, including 10 boundaries. His resilience at the top was crucial in absorbing the early pressure from the English bowlers.
- Shan Masood, the captain, was the standout performer. He led by example with a brilliant knock of 151 runs off 177 balls, playing aggressive strokes to put the pressure back on England. His innings, laced with 13 fours and 2 sixes, set the tone for a high total.
- Contributions from the middle order also added valuable runs. Saud Shakeel chipped in with 82 runs, and Salman Ali Agha played a quickfire 104 off 119 balls*, accelerating towards the end of the innings to push Pakistan past the 550-mark.
Though England bowled with effort, it was Jack Leach who was the pick of the bowlers, taking four wickets including the crucial scalps of Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan. Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse chipped in with two wickets each, but it was clear that England’s bowlers struggled to contain Pakistan on a relatively batting-friendly pitch.
For More Details Click Here
England’s Fightback (96/1)
In reply to Pakistan’s imposing total, England finished the day at 96/1, trailing by 460 runs. The English openers started cautiously, but once they found their rhythm, they took advantage of any loose deliveries.
- Zak Crawley looked in sublime touch, racing to an unbeaten 64 off 64 balls. He played aggressively, striking boundaries freely and keeping the scoreboard ticking.
- Joe Root, England’s experienced former captain, provided steady support at the other end, remaining not out on 32 off 54 balls at stumps. Together, the pair added 96 runs for the second wicket after losing Ben Duckett early in the innings.
Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, bowled with intensity but found it hard to break through England’s solid top order. Shaheen was economical but wicketless, while Naseem managed to get the breakthrough with the wicket of Ben Duckett.
Win Probability of Pakistan vs. England: Pakistan in Control, but Draw on the Cards
As things stand at the end of Day 2, Pakistan holds the upper hand with a 46% chance of winning, while England’s probability sits at 13%. However, with three full days of cricket left, the possibility of a draw (41%) also looms large, especially if England’s batters can dig in and post a big total of their own.
Key Moments of Day 2 Pakistan vs. England:
- Shan Masood’s commanding century: His well-paced knock set the foundation for Pakistan’s big score and dominated the English bowlers.
- Salman Ali Agha’s counterattack: His century ensured Pakistan posted a massive total and kept the pressure on England throughout.
- Zak Crawley’s counter: England’s opener counter-attacked brilliantly, not letting the pressure of a huge total bog him down.
- Naseem Shah’s crucial breakthrough: Pakistan managed an important early wicket, breaking the opening stand before Crawley and Root steadied England’s ship.
For Details Click
Looking Ahead Of Pakistan vs. England : Day 3 Predictions
Pakistan vs. England Day 3 will be pivotal in deciding the course of this match. England will be looking to build on their current position and bat long into the day. The partnership between Zak Crawley and Joe Root will be key. Pakistan, on the other hand, will aim to strike early and capitalize on the scoreboard pressure. With fresh bowlers in their ranks and a solid lead, Pakistan will be pushing hard to bowl England out and enforce a follow-on or secure a strong lead for themselves.
Cricket fans can expect another thrilling day of Test match action Pakistan vs. England , as England tries to fight back from a significant deficit, while Pakistan looks to tighten their grip on the game.
