Pakistan cricket team batter Abdullah Shafique returned to form with a brilliant century on Day 1 of the first Test match against England in Multan on Monday. Shafique looked in tremendous touch as he slammed 102 off 184 deliveries before getting dismissed by Gus Atkinson. It was a significant knock for the Pakistan cricketer who scored three ducks in the last three matches. Even Pakistan skipper Shan Masood was asked about Shafique’s form but he defended his teammate with a reference to India batter Virat Kohli. Masood pointed out that after 19 Tests, Shafique’s record was actually better than Kohli.
“Without going into details, let’s say I completely disagree with the question… Yes, I admit, Pakistan cricket has not been up to the mark in the year 2024. The situation should be evaluated fairly. You mention numbers. A few days back I came across a number – regarding Abdullah Shafique, the one who has played 19 Test matches, the stats were better than that of Virat Kohli,” he said.
Pakistan’s opening batsman Shan Masood and his new partner, Abduh Shafique registered centuries, helping the team reach a commanding 328-4 on the first day of the England tour in Multan on Monday.
While Masood’s exquisite 151 counted as his first hundred in a gap stretch of years, in the same light, Shafique also availed himself of the opportunity of scoring 102 with both making an impressive 253 runs for the second wicket stand after the toss siding with batting had favored Pakistan.
With Ben Stokes absent, England with Ollie Pope as captain, briefly staged a mini-recovery by getting rid of both Masood and Shafique for the addition of only 2 runs in the third session.
They waited until the score reached 308-3 and then took the second new ball, but Babar Azam was lbw out to fast bowler Chris Woakes for 30. At the end of the day’s play, Saud Shakeel was not out on 35 and nightwatchman Naseem Shah had not scored.
