As the 1st Test between Pakistan and England unfolds at the Multan Cricket Stadium, Pakistan finds itself in a precarious position, trailing by 262 runs with only five wickets remaining.
Currently, Pakistan is at 556 & 5/1 in their second innings, while England declared their innings at 823/7.
Day 4, Session 2 has seen a fluctuating current run rate of 5.00, with 37 overs left to play. Shan Masood and Saim Ayub are at the crease, having scored 5 and 0 runs, respectively. Masood’s brief innings has shown promise with a strike rate of 166.66, but the pressure is on as they attempt to chase down an imposing target.
Chris Woakes, who made an early breakthrough for England, has taken 1 wicket for just 5 runs in his first over. Pakistan’s batting lineup will need to consolidate quickly, especially with the wicket of Abdullah Shafique falling early on for a duck.
With three reviews remaining for both teams, Pakistan must capitalize on every opportunity to mount a significant comeback. As the match progresses, cricket fans are left on the edge of their seats, wondering if Pakistan can turn the tide against a dominant England side.
England continued their relentless batting assault on Day 4 of the first Test match against Pakistan, posting a mammoth 658/3 in their first innings.
The visitors now lead by 102 runs, with Harry Brook and Joe Root crafting monumental innings that have put England in a commanding position.
Root and Brook have built an unbeaten 409-run partnership, showcasing impeccable form. Joe Root remains unbeaten on 259 off 368 balls, playing a masterclass innings that includes 17 boundaries. Harry Brook joined the run-fest with a spectacular 218 off 257 balls, lacing 20 boundaries and a six, driving England's run rate past 5.00.
Pakistan’s bowling attack, severely weakened by the absence of key spinner Abrar Ahmed, who is down with a fever, struggled to find breakthroughs. Agha Salman and Saim Ayub toiled hard but went wicketless in the morning session, as England racked up 166 runs without losing a wicket.
The morning session saw dropped chances, including a critical one by Babar Azam off Root, summarizing Pakistan's misfortunes. As the day progresses, England will aim to pile on more runs and extend their lead, potentially targeting a 300-run advantage by tea. The prospect of both Root and Brook chasing triple centuries looms large, further solidifying England’s chances of setting up a victory in this high-scoring Test.
