MULTAN, Pakistan: Pakistan fought back from early trouble on the first day of the second Test in Multan, reaching 173-3 at tea, thanks to a vital partnership between Saim Ayub and debutant Kamran Ghulam. After losing two early wickets, Ayub and Ghulam built a 149-run stand, lifting Pakistan from 19-2. Ayub made a career-best 77 before Matthew Potts dismissed him just before the break, caught by Ben Stokes at mid-off.
Ghulam, showing impressive composure on debut, remained unbeaten on 75, anchoring Pakistan’s recovery. He hit five boundaries and a six, and alongside Saud Shakeel, who was on 4 at tea, steered Pakistan towards a competitive total.
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Jack Leach had earlier taken two quick wickets for England, removing Abdullah Shafique (7) and captain Shan Masood (3), leaving Pakistan reeling. England lead the series 1-0 after an innings win in the first Test. Pakistan made wholesale changes for this match, including dropping Babar Azam and bringing in a spin-heavy lineup. England’s captain Stokes returned from injury, while Potts replaced Gus Atkinson in the playing XI.
