Ramiz Raja on Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood Century: Thanks to solid centuries from opener Abdullah Shafiq and captain Shan Masood, Pakistan scored 328/4 in 86 overs on the first day of the first Test against England at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Monday. On a calm pitch and bright sunshine, a 253-run partnership between Masood (151) and Shafiq (102) ensured that the day was Pakistan's by the time stumps were called. For England, it was largely a day of hard work and chasing, although Gus Atkinson took two wickets. Atkinson, playing a foreign Test match for the first time, got Sam Ayub caught on leg in the fourth over.
Thereafter, he and the rest of the bowlers had to play consistently as Shafiq and Masood produced an aggressive and impressive batting display in 56.1 overs for Pakistan, who are aiming for their first Test win on home soil since February 2021 . Masood performed aggressively in scoring a century after reaching the three-figure mark for the last time during the Covid-19 disruption in 2020.
When Pakistan toured England, Shafiq had to be cautious initially before finding his rhythm to score his Test century. Luck also favored Pakistan – Masood overturned the LBW decision against England's debuting fast bowler Brydon Carse through review in the 16th over and scored his first Test century as captain of the team. Shafiq, who has recorded six single-figure scores in his last seven Test innings, survived an attempt to be run out on 34 when stand-in captain Ollie Pope missed the chance to dismiss him and scored three figures. Proceeded to end their low run. Just when it seemed that the set batsman would remain unbeaten till the end of the day despite battling cramps, he was out in the space of 17 balls.
Shafiq was dismissed by Atkinson, while Masood became the victim of the returning Jack Leach. Saud Shakeel and Babar Azam added 61 runs off 132 balls for the fourth wicket, before the latter was trapped LBW by Chris Woakes. Shakeel remained unbeaten on 35 along with nightwatchman Naseem Shah, and Pakistan will hope he and the rest of the batsmen score more runs on the second day as Shafiq and Masood set the stage for big scores in the first innings with their brilliant centuries.
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