England secured a commanding victory over Pakistan by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test match of the three-match series at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday. The hosts, who resumed their second innings at 152/6, were eventually bowled out for 220 in 54.5 overs, with Abrar Ahmed unable to bat due to illness.

By PakPassion Staff (11-10-2024)

Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan's top scorer in the second innings, was the first to depart on the final day after contributing 63 runs off 84 balls, including seven boundaries. He shared a valuable 109-run partnership with Aamir Jamal, who remained unbeaten on 55 off 104 deliveries, striking five fours.

England's bowling attack was spearheaded by left-arm spinner Jack Leach, who claimed four wickets, including the scalps of Salman, Shaheen Shah Afridi (10), and Naseem Shah (6). Brydon Carse and Gus Atkinson chipped in with two wickets each.

In the first innings, Pakistan posted a total of 556, thanks to centuries from Shan Masood (151), Salman Ali Agha (104*), and Abdullah Shafique (102), along with significant contributions from Saud Shakeel (82), Naseem Shah (33), Babar Azam (30), and Shaheen Shah Afridi (26). However, England's massive first-innings total of 823/7 declared, powered by Harry Brook's 317 and Joe Root's 262, proved insurmountable for the hosts.

The second Test match is scheduled to take place at the same venue from 15 October, with England leading the series 1-0.

Scores in brief:

England def Pakistan by an innings and 47 runs, Multan Cricket Stadium

Pakistan 556 all out, 149 overs (Shan Masood 151, Salman Ali Agha 104 not out, Abdullah Shafique 102, Saud Shakeel 82, Naseem Shah 33, Babar Azam 30, Shaheen Shah Afridi 26; Jack Leach 3-160, Brydon Carse 2-74, Gus Atkinson 2-99) and 220 all out, 54.5 overs (Salman Ali Agha 63, Aamir Jamal 55 not out, Saud Shakeel 29, Saim Ayub 25; Jack Leach 4-30, Gus Atkinson 2-46, Brydon Carse 2-66)

England 823-7 dec, 150 overs (Harry Brook 317, Joe Root 262, Ben Duckett 84, Zak Crawley 78; Saim Ayub 2-101, Naseem Shah 2-157)