First Test: Salman century puts Pak in command on Day 2

Multan, Oct 8 (UNI) Pakistan has firmly established their dominance over England on the second day of the first Test match at the Multan Cricket Stadium, posting a massive first-innings total of 556.

Salman Ali Agha’s unbeaten century, his third in Test cricket, was vital in guiding Pakistan to this total, as they look to capitalise further on their commanding position.

By the close of play, England trailed by 460 runs, with nine wickets remaining after ending the day at 96 for one.

England’s innings started on the backfoot when captain Ollie Pope was dismissed without scoring, caught by Aamir Jamal off Naseem Shah’s bowling. However, Zak Crawley (64 not out) and Joe Root (32 not out) stabilised the innings with a 92-run partnership.

Earlier, Pakistan resumed at 328 for four and kept piling on the runs. Saud Shakeel and night-watchman Naseem Shah extended their fifth-wicket stand to 64 runs before England struck back.

A series of lower-order contributions, including Salman’s brilliant 104 not out, ensured Pakistan reached an imposing total. Key partnerships from the lower order helped extend Pakistan’s innings, including an 85-run stand between Salman and Shaheen Shah Afridi (26).

For England, Jack Leach toiled for 160 runs while picking up three wickets, and debutant Brydon Carse took two wickets alongside pacer Gus Atkinson.

Scores in Brief

Pakistan: 556 all out in 149 overs (Shan Masood 151, Salman Ali Agha 104*, Abdullah Shafique 102, Saud Shakeel 82, Naseem Shah 33; Jack Leach 3-160)

England – 96-1 in 20 overs (Zak Crawley 64*, Joe Root 32*; Naseem Shah 1-29).

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