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On Day 1 in Multan, Masood and Shafique lit up the pitch with an impressive run-scoring exhibition. Their partnership was marked by elegant strokes and strategic play, setting the tone for a commanding innings. With each boundary, they not only racked up runs but also instilled a sense of confidence in their side, leaving the crowd in awe and the opposition on the back foot.
Centuries from Shan Masood (151) and Abdullah Shafique (102) propelled Pakistan to 298 for 3 on Day 1 of the first Test in Multan. The duo formed a remarkable 253-run partnership for the second wicket, marking the second-highest overall partnership at the venue. On a flat pitch, England’s England’s bowlers found initial support for just the first hour, after which the batters capitalized on the favorable conditions.
This marked Masood’s first Test century since becoming Pakistan’s captain. The pair scored at an impressive rate of 4.5 runs per over, the third-highest for a 200-plus partnership for Pakistan. Shafique resumed his innings on 94 after the tea break and quickly reached his century with a mighty six off left-arm spinner Jack Leach. Masood, who reached his hundred at nearly a run-a-ball pace, maintained his aggressive approach, striking boundaries against Brydon Carse and Leach. He brought up his 150 with a pull shot too deep on the onside.
Gus Atkinson, the only wicket-taker until lunch, eventually dismissed Shafique, who offered a simple catch to cover. Leach followed up shortly after, taking a sharp catch off Masood’s bowling, giving England a glimmer of hope with two quick wickets. Incoming batter Babar Azam had a lucky escape when he nearly dragged a short delivery from Atkinson onto the stumps. However, that hope faded as Saud Shakeel took advantage of the match-up against Leach, smashing three boundaries in one over. The pair continued to find the occasional boundary after the drinks break, effectively rotating the strike.
When England took the second new ball, Babar welcomed Atkinson with a stylish four through extra cover. Unfortunately, the former captain’s struggles continued as he was trapped lbw by Chris Woakes in the penultimate over of the day, taking a review back with him.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan elected to bat first but suffered an early setback when Saim Ayub was caught down the leg side off Atkinson; after surviving a testing spell that included a successfully overturned LBW decision against Masood, the pair capitalized on the conditions, both reaching half-centuries by lunch. Pakistan continued to pile on the runs in a flawless second session, scoring 101 runs without loss, which saw their skipper reach his century.
On Wednesday, October 9, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan publicly clarified his political stance, potentially paving the way for his long-desired farewell Test against South Africa at home.
Cricbuzz previously reported that Shakib’s dream of playing his final Test in front of a home crowd could soon become a reality. His recent public apology suggests that progress is being made toward that goal.
Earlier, Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain emphasized the need for Shakib to clarify his position before requesting security for the match. Shakib, a former lawmaker with the Awami League, faced scrutiny last month when he was linked to a murder case. After remaining silent during the recent students’ movement, he finally addressed his stance two months after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime.
In his official Facebook post, Shakib expressed his deep respect for the students who sacrificed their lives or were injured in the anti-discrimination movement. “”I honor their memory and extend my condolences to their families. No sacrifice can ever truly compensate for the loss of loved ones, and the pain of losing a child or sibling is irreplaceable,”” he wrote.
He also acknowledged the disappointment of those who were affected by his silence during this critical period. “”I sincerely apologize for not speaking out earlier. If I were in your position, I would likely feel the same way,”” he stated.
As he prepares for his final Test match later this month, Shakib urged his fans to support him one last time on the field.
“”As you know, I will soon play my final match. In my final match, in the closing chapter of this story, I want you all by my side. I want to bid farewell with all of you standing with me,”” he said.
“”I hope, and I don’t just hope; I believe you all will stand with me in this final moment. You all will be there to close the story, a story where the true heroes are not me but all of you,”” he concluded.
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